FIFA has announced changes to the format of the 2026 World Cup
The International Football Federation (FIFA) has announced changes to the format of the World Cup, which in 2026 will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
At the congress, the organization decided that the matches of the first round of the tournament will be held in 12 groups with four teams each. The best two teams from each quartet, as well as the eight best third-place teams, will make it to the 1/16 finals.
"Based on a carefully conducted study that took into account the principles of fair play, the welfare of players, logistics issues, commercial and sports attractiveness, as well as the experience of national teams and fans, the FIFA Council unanimously approved the proposed changes to the format of the 2026 FIFA World Cup," reads a press release published on the official website FIFA.
Initially, the 48 teams that will participate in the 2026 World Cup were planned to be divided into 16 groups of 3 teams each.
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