Expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup Format to Boost Global Football Reach

The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a significant shift with its expansion to 48 teams, growing from the previous 32. Scheduled for the group draw on December 5, 2023, the tournament will feature 12 groups of four teams each. The top two teams in each group, alongside eight of the 12 third-placed teams, will advance to a knockout stage that begins with a new preliminary round before the Round of 16. This structure will result in 104 matches, 40 more than the 2022 edition.

Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, is a seeded team in Pot 1 and awaits its group opponents, while the host countries Mexico, Canada, and the United States hold predetermined group positions. The final is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with the tournament opening June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

FIFA officials emphasize the broader impact of this expansion. Jill Ellis, FIFA’s Football Director, highlighted that the tournament’s legacy extends beyond audience size to inspiring young players worldwide. Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s Head of Global Football Development, supports the expansion, noting a decreased technical gap among teams due to global investments in player development and coaching. Wenger is confident in the tournament's venues and conditions and sees strong title contenders in England, France, and Spain, while expressing hope for a champion emerging from outside Europe or South America.

This expanded format is anticipated to not only increase football's global footprint but also inspire new audiences and empower developing football nations, advancing FIFA’s vision of a truly inclusive world tournament.