The 2026 World Cup can have 104 suits as an alternative of the normal 64 video games because of the expanded layout with 48 groups participating, world football governing frame FIFA mentioned on Tuesday after its Congress in Kigali, Rwanda.
The 2026 version, which can be co-hosted via the United States, Canada and Mexico, would be the first version of the quadrennial event the place 48 groups are participating. The ultimate can be hung on July 19.
The new layout may also persist with drawing 4 groups in a bunch after an offer for a three-team workforce used to be shot down over fears of collusion. However, the choice of teams will build up from 12 to 16.
The unique plan for the 2026 version had a complete of 80 suits however the determination to extend the choice of video games to 104 used to be authorized via FIFA’s council at a gathering on Tuesday.
Traditionally the highest two groups from each and every workforce advance to the ultimate 16 however the 2026 version may also have the 8 highest third-placed groups shifting into the knockout spherical of 32.
“The FIFA Council unanimously approved the proposed amendment to the FIFA World Cup 2026 competition format” FIFA mentioned.
“The revised format mitigates the risk of collusion and ensures that all the teams play a minimum of three matches, while providing balanced rest time between competing teams.”
The 32-team World Cup in Qatar ultimate 12 months had a complete of 64 suits finished in 29 days. The ultimate time Mexico (1986) and the United States (1994) hosted a World Cup, there have been best 24 groups.
The event has had 32 groups because the 1998 version, with 8 teams of 4 and the finalists enjoying seven video games each and every. But groups achieving the summit conflict in 2026 will now play 8 suits in general.
CLUB COMPETITION
FIFA mentioned a 32-team Club World Cup could be performed each 4 years from June 2025, confirming the announcement made via its president Gianni Infantino in Qatar ultimate 12 months.
Confederation champions from 2021-2024 can be eligible to play within the Club World Cup, because of this Chelsea and Real Madrid have already certified.
Should both membership win the Champions League once more, a membership rating calculation in keeping with wearing standards can be used to decide which different crew will qualify.
The present model of the FIFA Club World Cup — an annual pageant with seven groups — can be discontinued after 2023, with a brand new annual membership pageant authorized from 2024.
“This competition will feature the champions of the premier club competitions of all confederations and conclude with a final to be played at a neutral venue, between the winner of the UEFA Champions League and the winner of intercontinental play-offs between the other confederations,” FIFA mentioned.
FIFA mentioned golf equipment should free up gamers for the World Cup from May 25, 2026 except they’re in a significant ultimate — such because the Champions League showpiece — for which golf equipment can have till May 30 to permit gamers to enroll in their nationwide groups .
“With 56 days, the total combined number of rest, release and tournament days remain identical to the 2010, 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup editions,” FIFA added.
A newly structured world calendar used to be additionally authorized with nine-day home windows in March and June for 2 video games each and every, a 16-day window for 4 suits in September-October adopted via some other nine-day two-match window in November.