UEFA has announced that nations competing in this summer’s European Championship in Germany will be permitted to have 26-man squads. The decision was confirmed by UEFA’s executive committee after the national competitions committee voted in favor of the change in April.
Initially, UEFA had planned to revert to 23-player squads for Euro 2024, but the increase to 26-man squads has been reinstated, following a similar allowance at Euro 2020 due to the impact of Covid-19. The decision aligns with the expanded squads permitted at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Participating teams are not obligated to name an extended squad, but they must submit a list of at least 23 players to UEFA by June 7th.
The move has been welcomed by several international managers who criticized the idea of reducing squad sizes for the tournament. Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman labeled the initial plan “absurd”.
England manager Gareth Southgate, who had previously favored 23-man squads, adjusted his stance due to the high number of injuries across the Premier League this season. Southgate will name his squad on May 21st, two days after the conclusion of the Premier League season.
Euro 2024 kicks off on June 14th, with Scotland facing hosts Germany in the opening game. England’s campaign begins on June 16th against Serbia.