The teams qualified for the next World Cup could be allowed to present lists of 26 players instead of the 23 as in the past editions. The idea will be discussed on Friday, April 1 in Qatar on the sidelines of the draw for the group stage of the 2022 World Cup. Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA. Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA.
The 22nd World Cup, scheduled for November 21 to December 18 in Qatar, could see a slight change compared to previous editions. FIFA could allow teams to call up 26 players for the tournament, whereas until now lists of 23 were the norm. The information is given by Reuters and reported by L'Equipe. The idea will be, according to the same source, on the menu of a meeting of FIFA, Friday, April 1 in Doha (the Qatari capital), on the sidelines of the draw for the group stage of the World Cup.
The governing body of world soccer will collect the opinions of coaches and officials of federations of qualified countries. CAF, CONMEBOL and UEFA already in the picture If such a reform is adopted, it will not be a first in major competitions. During the AFCON 2021, CAF had authorized up to 28 players. Conmebol (the South American confederation) had adopted the same number for the Copa America 2021. UEFA had set the size of the rosters for Euro 2020 at 26, but limited the number of eligible players per match to 23. The risks of Covid-19 infection that were hanging over the selections during these competitions had led to these adjustments. FIFA could follow the example. Especially since now five substitutes are allowed per match. Twenty-seven countries have already qualified for the 2022 World Cup. Africa has already designated its five representatives: Ghana, Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal and Cameroon.
