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The complete schedule for the 2026 World Cup has been finalised, with all 104 matches confirmed. A total of 48 teams will compete for football’s most prestigious title.

The 2026 World Cup also marks 60 years since England’s historic triumph on home soil. For a footballing nation that has long aspired to reclaim global glory, the wait has been both lengthy and, at times, agonising.

The Three Lions secured their spot at the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico back in October, becoming the first European nation to qualify for the tournament.

Winning the World Cup may seem an unrealistic standard by which to judge Thomas Tuchel, but it remains his ultimate goal. Despite having a squad brimming with talent, the disappointing March international break revealed that several key issues still need to be addressed.

England will not play again before Tuchel announces his squad, so what does the timeline look like for his England World Cup 2026 squad selection and announcement?

Tuchel, along with 47 other national coaches, must first submit a preliminary squad list comprising up to 55 players by Monday, May 11. This list forms the basis for the final selection, taking into account form, injuries, and tactical preferences.

The preliminary list may include as few as 35 players — the same number Tuchel called up for England’s March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley Stadium — though it is expected to be larger this time.

England’s final World Cup squad must be confirmed by Saturday, May 30. This deadline comes 18 days before England’s opening Group L encounter against Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Tuchel will choose 26 players for the final squad that will travel to the United States. The team will play warm-up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica ahead of the tournament.

All clubs are required to release their players for international duty by Monday, May 25, except for those involved in the finals of the Champions League, Conference League, or the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

European finals could potentially affect Tuchel’s preparations. Crystal Palace remain in the Conference League, while Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich — all of whom have players in England’s current setup — are still competing in the Champions League.

Up until the first match, Tuchel and the other 47 managers will be permitted to take an additional nine players to the World Cup as part of their training contingents.