The FIFA President and the presidents of the six confederations that made up the FIFA Council's Bureau met to discuss a number of important issues, including the squad size. A portion of the declaration said,
"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 extra numbers help the coaches of the 32 teams cope with possible outbreaks of virus cases. Additionally, it indicates that additional players are already adhering to health standards at the Qatari camp rather than being brought in from their home nation. The new roster will send 96 additional players to the World Cup, which runs from November 21 to December 18. Compared to 32 days in Russia four years ago, the competition is now 28 days long.
