In 2026, the World Cup stage is set for an unprecedented feast as the United States, Canada and Mexico join forces to expand the field from 32 to 48 teams. Initially, the 48 teams were divided into 16 groups of three teams each, but FIFA recently had a new idea and decided to retain the four-team format for each group, with specific details to be discussed separately.
FIFA president Nfatianu revealed on Friday (16) that FIFA is revisiting the 48-team format of 16 groups of three teams each, with the top two teams advancing directly to the round of 32. He commented: "The spectacular success of the group system in Qatar has prompted FIFA to revisit the system, with the four-team format being full of drama right up to the last minute of the final match. He went on to say that FIFA will be revisiting the format, with the question of whether to keep the 16 groups of three teams each, or to move to 12 groups of four teams each, on the agenda for discussion in the coming weeks.
If the 12 groups of four teams each are used, the top two teams and the best third place of the eight groups advance to the round of 32, with the teams that play the most matches playing eight matches and the least playing three, while if the 16 groups of three teams each are maintained, the top two teams advance to the round of 32, with the teams that play the most matches playing seven matches and the least playing two.
