FIFA World Cup 2026: 48-Team Format, Schedule, and Tournament Details
FIFA will expand the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams for the first time, with the tournament running from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The expanded format introduces a new Round of 32 knockout stage and increases total matches from 64 to 104. The expansion aims to increase global participation, accelerate football's growth in emerging nations, and generate additional commercial revenue.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark a historic expansion from 32 to 48 teams, making it the largest World Cup ever staged. Co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament will run for over a month from June 11 to July 19, 2026, featuring 1,248 players competing across 104 matches in 16 host cities. The 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advancing to a new Round of 32 knockout stage. The tournament structure follows a traditional single-elimination format from the Round of 32 onward, with the final scheduled for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. FIFA justified the expansion by citing increased global participation, accelerated football growth in emerging nations, and additional commercial and broadcasting revenue for member associations worldwide.
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- Times of IndiaCenter
FIFA World Cup 2026: Full schedule, fixtures, groups, India timings, venues, knockout dates
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