FIFA World Cup 2026 to expand from projected 80 matches to 104

Updated : Mar 24, 2023 10:03
|
AP

FIFA World Cup 2026 will have a total of 104 games instead of 64, football's governing body announced.

The 2026 edition will be the first-ever World Cup where 48 teams will take part.

The FIFA Council unanimously approved the proposed amendment to the competition's format from 16 groups of three to 12 groups of four, with the top two and eight best third-placed teams progressing to a round of 32.

The revised format will ensure that all the teams play a minimum of 3 matches while providing balanced rest time between competing teams.

FIFA World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico and will last nearly 6 weeks.

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