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- FootBiz newsletter #144: World Cup deadlines plus a huge news round-up
FootBiz newsletter #144: World Cup deadlines plus a huge news round-up
PLUS: who exactly is "working on" a deal to take Harry Kane to Barca?
Ed Malyon
February 20, 2026 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes
It’s nearly World Cup time and teams are preparing for their final pre-tournament camp next month by diving headfirst into the deepest possible evaluation of all potential squad members.
First, the key dates: On or by May 11, teams must provide a “good faith” list of 35 players who could make the final squad. The final deadline is June 1, by when teams must provide a final list of 26 players (not the 28 some associations had pressed for) to head to the World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada.
We are now entering that heartbreaking period where any moderately serious injury costs a player their World Cup. In the last few weeks, Josko Gvardiol (Croatia), Juan Foyth (Argentina) and Samu Agehowa (Spain) have all suffered injuries that likely end their hopes of travelling this summer.
For some countries, this upcoming international break in March is a final opportunity to convince players to switch nationalities.
Mexico are expected to welcome Real Betis midfielder Alvaro Fidalgo into the squad next month as he officially switches allegiance from Spain. From what we have heard, Algeria and other African qualifiers are still trying to switch some French-based players with the lure of a major tournament. Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi are among the former England Under-21s who Ghana has looked at recruiting to play this summer, with the big match against England in Boston the prize if they flip.
Fidalgo (right) could switch allegiance from Spain to Mexico
Shorter intro today but lots of news below the line, as well as some analysis on where things could be heading with alternative football leagues (and in sport more generally).
If you’re not a premium subscriber already, consider it, and if you are then read on…
