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FIFA Finalizes 2026 World Cup Rules on Squads, Tiebreaks and Heat Protocols

National teams now plan around fixed roster limits, head‑to‑head group tiebreaks, cooling breaks, plus a May 25 player‑release cutoff.

Overview

  • Rosters are capped at 26 players, with all 15 substitutes permitted on the bench alongside up to 11 technical staff.
  • Group standings will prioritize head‑to‑head results before overall goal difference, then goals among tied teams, overall metrics, fair‑play points and, if needed, a draw.
  • Referees will enforce hydration breaks between the 25th and 30th minute of each half when thermal conditions require them.
  • Clubs must release players by May 25, 2026, with an exception for those in the Champions League final on May 30.
  • The tournament spans 104 matches across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, with Argentina drawn into Group J against Algeria, Austria and Jordan and scheduled to play in Kansas City and Dallas.