Maximum squad size: FIFA regulations dictate a national team's final World Cup squad must contain a minimum of 23 and a maximum of 26 players.
To ensure adequate depth between the posts, at least three of those selected must be goalkeepers.
Provisional standby lists: Before finalising the tournament squad, every participating nation had to submit an expanded preliminary roster containing between 35 and 55 players.
This provisional list effectively serves as the team's standby pool, as any emergency injury replacements must be exclusively drawn from this pre-approved group.
Outfield player deadlines: For outfield players, FIFA rules strictly state injury replacements can only be made up to 24 hours before the team's first match of the tournament.
