Qatar 2022 is fast approaching and anticipation for the World Cup is building.
This will be the very first winter edition of the tournament, so some changes have been made to allow play in the Middle East.
The 32 competing teams finalize their squads before the start of the competition on November 20.
But what are the rules regarding substitutes and team sizes?
How many substitutes will be allowed during the World Cup?
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved the use of five substitutes for the World Cup in June.
It allowed the Premier League to move to five subs and officially endorsed other leagues keeping the rule after it temporarily changed during the peak of the Covid pandemic.
The decision came after a meeting involving Gianni Infantino, members of the FA, FIFA and IFAB in which they decided to introduce the change on a permanent basis.
The number of substitutes allowed on the bench has also been increased from 12 to 15 for the World Cup as football decision makers try to tackle match congestion.
The era of the three substitutes therefore seems to be definitely over.
How big will the 2022 World Cup squads be?
Traditionally, World Cup teams are allowed to select 23 players, but with more substitutes allowed on the bench, that number has been extended.
All competing teams can take 26 players to Qatar to deal with match congestion and if illness breaks out in the squad.
This means that 96 more players will go to the World Cup, which is great news for those who will have the opportunity and for the coaches.
Each player can also be named on the bench, so no one will be left out of the matchday squad.
This also explains why the tournament lasts 28 days instead of 32.
Substitute and squad changes for the 2022 World Cup: what has been said?
FIFA said: “Given the need to retain additional flexibility due to the unique timing of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in the global calendar, as well as the wider context of the disruptive effects caused by the COVID pandemic -19 on teams before and during tournaments, the Board has decided the following…
“The maximum number of players on the broadcast list has been increased from 35 to 55. The number of players to be included in the final list has been increased to at least 23 and a maximum of 26.
“The last day at club level for the 23 to 26 players named 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 permitted to sit on the team bench.
Watch the World Cup with talkSPORT
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