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Each of the 32 participating countries must send a list of a
minimum of 35 players up to a maximum of 55 by the end of the
day, in the first step in the selection process.
Coaches then have until Nov. 14 to decide on their final list of
26 players by an 1800GMT deadline. FIFA will publish all the
squads the next day.
The final squad must come from the preliminary list, with no
allowance for any late changes of mind over the next three
weeks, FIFA’s tournament rules and regulations stipulate.
World football’s governing body will not publish the preliminary
lists but some countries might choose to do so, signaling their
intentions and potentially putting to bed some of the early
debate about team selection.
World Cup holders France have a long list of injuries that coach
Didier Deschamps must take into consideration over the next few
days although the preliminary list is long enough to include
players in a race against time to be fit for Qatar.
England’s debate about their right back position might also get
clarity as manager Gareth Southgate makes his choices. There has
been speculation about whether Liverpool’s Trent
Alexander-Arnold is in his plans after recently being
overlooked.
Brazil left out Gabriel Jesus for two friendlies in France last
month amid stiff competition for places in the forward line and
despite his fine form for his new club Arsenal this season.
The number of players in the final World Cup squads have been
increased by three -- from 23 to 26 -- for the tournament in
Qatar.
FIFA said in June the decision to expand squads was made "given
the need to retain additional flexibility due to the unique
timing" of this year's competition, which will interrupt the
European club season.
It kicks off on Nov. 20 with the final on Dec. 18.
World football’s governing body also took into account the
"broader context of the disruptive effects caused by the
Covid-19 pandemic on squads before and during tournaments".
The number of players on the preliminary list was also increased
to 55 from a maximum of 35 four years ago.
(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Ken Ferris)
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