The Bureau of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), has increased the World Cup squads from 23 to 26, Joy Sports understands.

The council, which consists of the FIFA president, Gianni Infantino and the six confederation presidents made the decision among a host of other key topics.

73rd FIFA Congress

On March 16, 2023, Rwanda's Kigali will host the 73rd FIFA Congress. The call for the 73rd FIFA Congress, which will hold the 2023 FIFA presidential election, was accepted by the FIFA Council during its meeting on March 30, 2022.

Kigali already hosted a meeting of the FIFA Council in October 2018.

Amendments to the Regulations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Given the need to retain additional flexibility due to the unique timing of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in the global calendar, as well as the broader context of the disruptive effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on squads before and during tournaments, the Bureau has decided the following:

• The maximum number of players on the release list has been increased from 35 to 55.
• The number of players to be included on the final list has been increased to at least 23 and a maximum of 26.
• The final matchday at club level for the 23 to 26 players nominated on the final list will be 13 November 2022.
• No more than 26 people (up to 15 substitutes and 11 team officials – one of these officials must be the team doctor) will be allowed to sit on the team bench.

The World Cup will be staged in Qatar from 21 November to 18 December 2022.