2026 World Cup: Key Insights on Player Call-Ups and Squad Dynamics
Oldest squad? Most caps? Player call-ups per club? Your guide to the 2026 World Cup squads

Image: Theathleticuk
The 2026 World Cup will feature a record 48 teams and 1,248 players. Notably, Manchester City leads with 19 players, while the Premier League contributes 154 players overall. Panama has the oldest squad, averaging 30 years, while Ivory Coast boasts the youngest at 25.4 years. Erling Haaland has the best goals-per-cap rate.
- 01Manchester City has the highest representation with 19 players, followed by Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal with 16 each.
- 02The Premier League leads in player call-ups with 154, significantly outpacing the Bundesliga.
- 03Panama's squad is the oldest, with an average age of 30, while Ivory Coast's squad is the youngest at 25.4.
- 04Erling Haaland has an impressive goals-per-cap rate of 1.12, with 55 goals in 49 appearances.
- 05149 players will celebrate their birthdays during the tournament, with three coinciding with the final on July 19.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be the most globally inclusive tournament yet, will feature 48 teams and 1,248 players from diverse backgrounds. Club representation is vast, with 449 teams across 71 countries. Premier League club Manchester City leads the way with 19 players, while Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal each contribute 16. The Premier League dominates overall with 154 players, followed closely by Germany's Bundesliga. Panama holds the title for the oldest squad, averaging 30 years, while Ivory Coast is the youngest at 25.4 years. Notable players include 38-year-old Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who could become the second-oldest outfield player in World Cup history. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland stands out with a remarkable goals-per-cap rate, scoring 55 goals in 49 appearances. The tournament promises to showcase both seasoned veterans and emerging talents, making it a highly anticipated event.
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