FIFA is set to confirm a new format for the 2026 World Cup, extending the tournament to 104 games over likely 39 days.
The decision will be approved at a meeting of the FIFA Council later on Tuesday in Rwanda’s capital Kigali, where world football’s bosses have gathered for their annual congress on Thursday.
Hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, the 2026 edition was already going to be the biggest World Cup, with 48 teams, and will now be the longest, too.
Format of the 2026 World Cup
- 48 teams (16 European)
- 16 host cities
- 12 groups of 4
- Top 2 qualify + 8 best third-placed teams
- Last 32 knock-out round
104 TOTAL GAMES
Can’t wait for when Chelsea have their two World Cup winners in midfield together. Kante & Enzo are gonna be so good I can’t wait
— Conn (@ConnCFC) March 13, 2023