UEFA has decided: Euro2024 teams can have 26 players in their squads

• Important news for Euro 2024 qualified teams: the squads will be able to have 26 players, not just 23 as normal

The decision was taken on Friday 3 May by the UEFA Executive Committee. The squads were increased to 26 players at the previous European Championship, i.e. Euro 2020, when this decision was taken due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The idea remained in place for the 2022 World Cup, but for 2024 UEFA had considered reverting to the usual rule of only 23 players in the squad.

Discussions on the subject also took place last month at a UEFA workshop in Düsseldorf, when most coaches of the qualified teams called for keeping the 26-player squads to have more options available to cope with the threat of injuries and intense physical demands.

What does it mean to increase the number of players in the squad? Including the fact that a team can have up to 15 players on the bench for each match!

The increase is not an obligation for participating national teams. Teams must submit to UEFA a list with a minimum of 23 and a maximum of 26 players," says a statement from the continental body.

The EURO 2024 rosters must be announced by 7 June at the latest.

About Euro 2024

Euro 2024 will start on 14 June and will have its final a month later on 14 July. Twenty-four national teams will take part in the final tournament, divided into six groups of four teams.

The top two finishers in each group, plus the four best third-placed teams, advance to the knockout stage.