DOHA: FIFA appears set to revise plans to introduce three-team teams for the 2026 World Cup, global soccer leader Gianni Infantino stated on Friday.
FIFA had in the past indicated that the 2026 finals, which is able to extend to 48 groups from 32, would see international locations divided into 16 teams of 3 all through the primary around.
Under that layout, the highest two groups in every staff would advance to a 32-team knockout match.
However, FIFA president Infantino stated the exciting good fortune of the prevailing first-round layout on the Qatar World Cup — the place groups have been divided into conventional teams of 4 — had precipitated a reconsider.
Several teams in Qatar went all the way down to the cord, with qualification striking within the stability till the general whistle.
“The groups of four have been absolutely incredible until the last minute of the last match,” Infantino advised a press convention in Doha.
“We have to revisit or at least rediscuss the format, whether it’s 16 groups of three or 12 groups of four. This is something that will be on the agenda in the next few weeks.”
Infantino added that the World Cup layout for 2026 may well be modeled alongside the strains of the European Championship, which has six teams of 4, with the 4 best possible third-placed groups additionally advancing to the knockout rounds.
The 2026 World Cup is being co-hosted via the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Infantino stated the enlarged festival would result in a monetary bonanza for FIFA.
Revenues within the four-year cycle main as much as 2026 are projected to extend to $11 billion — up from $7.5 billion within the cycle finishing in 2022.
Asked to provide an explanation for the large projected building up in revenues, Infantino cited the expanded collection of groups, current stadium infrastructure and the dimensions of the North American marketplace.
“We are bullish about the power of football,” Infantino stated. “We are convinced the impact of the game will be massive.
“It has been large right here and it’s going to be improbable in North America. Three large international locations, 48 groups.
“More games, revenues will go up in terms of broadcasting, in terms of sponsorship, hospitality.
“We will play in large stadiums used for American soccer, 80-90,000 capability. We expect 5.5 million enthusiasts touring for those occasions.”
FIFA had in the past indicated that the 2026 finals, which is able to extend to 48 groups from 32, would see international locations divided into 16 teams of 3 all through the primary around.
Under that layout, the highest two groups in every staff would advance to a 32-team knockout match.
However, FIFA president Infantino stated the exciting good fortune of the prevailing first-round layout on the Qatar World Cup — the place groups have been divided into conventional teams of 4 — had precipitated a reconsider.
Several teams in Qatar went all the way down to the cord, with qualification striking within the stability till the general whistle.
“The groups of four have been absolutely incredible until the last minute of the last match,” Infantino advised a press convention in Doha.
“We have to revisit or at least rediscuss the format, whether it’s 16 groups of three or 12 groups of four. This is something that will be on the agenda in the next few weeks.”
Infantino added that the World Cup layout for 2026 may well be modeled alongside the strains of the European Championship, which has six teams of 4, with the 4 best possible third-placed groups additionally advancing to the knockout rounds.
The 2026 World Cup is being co-hosted via the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Infantino stated the enlarged festival would result in a monetary bonanza for FIFA.
Revenues within the four-year cycle main as much as 2026 are projected to extend to $11 billion — up from $7.5 billion within the cycle finishing in 2022.
Asked to provide an explanation for the large projected building up in revenues, Infantino cited the expanded collection of groups, current stadium infrastructure and the dimensions of the North American marketplace.
“We are bullish about the power of football,” Infantino stated. “We are convinced the impact of the game will be massive.
“It has been large right here and it’s going to be improbable in North America. Three large international locations, 48 groups.
“More games, revenues will go up in terms of broadcasting, in terms of sponsorship, hospitality.
“We will play in large stadiums used for American soccer, 80-90,000 capability. We expect 5.5 million enthusiasts touring for those occasions.”