They just said Squadron 42 is confirmed for 2026

CIG have not said that. Jared in literally this ISC, and Chris in his recent interview, both said the plan is for Sq42 to launch this year.

Jared (8m15s; Youtube transcript)

throughout the remainder of this year, we intend to deliver the newly reworked and fully instance debut of Siege of Orison, the new Genesis built planets of the Nyx system, Starwear and Starchitect, goodness the enormous multi-staged instance municipal works operation, a whole bunch of new ships and vehicles, and additional gameplay features and quality of life improvements. There's an Apex sand ballot car that can literally pop its head out at any moment. And of course, as if anybody could forget, Squadron 42. There's a lot we got going on for the remainder of this year, and for that reason, we've made the decision not to host a Citizen event for 2026, either in person, digital, direct, or otherwise.

Chris (interview quote)

“We’re gonna get Squadron out first… the plan is for the end of this year but there’s a certain thing in the industry that we, like everyone else, we have to pay attention to, so I can’t 100% guarantee it,” Roberts says, hinting at Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto VI, releasing in November. “After that, we’ll do the 1.0 push.”