FIFA increases squad limit to 26 for World Cup

Zurich, June 23 (BNA): Teams will be able to select up to 26 players for this year’s World Cup after FIFA raised the maximum number of players by three on Thursday.

FIFA said the change was due to the unusual timing of the tournament as well as the impact of COVID-19 on teams. The tournament will be held in Qatar from November 21 to December 21. 18, Reuters reported.

“The number of players who will be included in the final list has increased to at least 23 and the maximum to 26,” it said in a statement.

“No more than 26 people (up to 15 substitutes and 11 team officials) will be allowed to be on the team’s bench.”

UEFA made a similar decision last year, allowing the parties to select three additional players for the European Championship due to the pandemic.

The International Football Association Board this month gave the green light to use five substitutions in matches, which were initially introduced as an amendment to the rules due to COVID-19.

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