Why World Cup Squad Selection Is More Than Picking the Best Players

BusinessSportsMoneyWhy World Cup Squad Selection Is More Than Picking the Best PlayersByChris Evans,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Chris Evans is a World Cup football writer based in EnglandFollow AuthorMay 19, 2026, 08:25am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Brazil's football team head coach Carlo Ancelotti (L) and Executive General Coordinator for the Brazilian football confederation (CBF) Rodrigo Caetano (R) gesture as people celebrate after the announcement of Brazilian footballer Neymar Jr. during an event to announce Brazil's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Museum of Tomorrow, in downtown Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on May 18, 2026. (Photo by Mauro PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesSelecting a squad for the World Cup should be easy.Choose a list of the best players from a nation, balance them out in every position, tot it up to 26 and press send.It's that simple, right? If only.Picking a successful World Cup squad is about more than cramming as much of a nation's talent as possible onto a plane - although it does help – it's about creating a group that fits together for the duration of a tournament.Like any manager in any industry, the best international bosses know building a good team is more of an art than an exact science. There needs to be the right blend of personalities, leaders and ambition.Most importantly when it comes to a high-pressure environment like a World Cup, the players need to get on. Because when they’re stuck in a training camp for six to eight weeks that can quickly feel like a goldfish bowl, minor gripes can soon become major issues.How to avoid selecting unhappy playersOne of the most common is if players become unhappy because they’re not getting as much game time as they’d expect. Sitting on the bench is always hard to take, but if managers have a squ...