World Cup Preparations Advance as Teams Announce Rosters and Address Injuries

National teams have released preliminary 26-player rosters for the 2026 World Cup while addressing player injuries and camp logistics. The announcements come as club seasons conclude and managers finalize selections ahead of matches in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Miami issued a statement on Monday regarding Lionel Messi after he left a weekend match with a left hamstring issue. The club said further medical tests showed an overload associated with muscle fatigue. Messi is expected to be fit for Argentina's group-stage matches against Algeria, Austria and Jordan.

Pochettino announced the United States men's national team squad on Tuesday at an event in New York City. The roster includes goalkeepers Chris Brady, Matt Freese and Matt Turner, along with defenders such as Sergino Dest and Tim Ream. Midfielders listed are Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, while forwards include Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun and Gio Reyna.

Tuchel selected England's squad and omitted Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Maguire. Jordan Henderson and Ivan Toney were included. The roster lists goalkeepers Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson and James Trafford, defenders Reece James and John Stones, midfielders Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, and forwards Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Ollie Watkins.

FIFA announced on Monday that Iran will hold its pre-tournament camp in Mexico. The team will travel to the United States for its three group matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated the country has no reason to deny Iran the use of its facilities.

Congo squad is training in Belgium after its camp in Kinshasa was cancelled. The team must isolate for 21 days due to an Ebola outbreak. White House Task Force executive director Andrew Giuliani said the players must maintain a bubble or risk being unable to travel to the United States.