World Cup
FIFA announces revised 2026 World Cup format with 104 games in 40 days
FIFA announced the new format of the World Cup, which will consist of 12 groups of four teams.
The FIFA Council has given the green light for the new World Cup format, which will include 104 matches and will be played over 40 days with 48 national teams in the USA, Canada and Mexico in the summer of 2026.
At the meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, it was decided (among other things) that the next World Cup would be held in the first phase with twelve groups of four instead of sixteen groups of three as originally decided.
The top two teams from each of the twelve groups and the top eight third-place teams form the round of 32. The tournament then continues with regular knockout rounds leading up to the minor and grand finals.
The new World Cup format will ensure that each national team will play at least three matches at football’s premier event, rather than two in the previously proposed format.
Finally, it was announced that the finals of the event will take place on Sunday 19th July 2026.
Source: sport 24
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