The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar hasn’t even finished yet, and there are already voices criticizing the next FIFA World Cup, which will be held in 2026 in Canada, Mexico and the United States. With the changed format and more teams, things are shrouded in confusion.

Gianni InfantinoPhoto: Hryhoriy Sysoev / Sputnik / Profimedia

FIFA may change the format of the 2026 World Cup again

Although he initially announced an increase in the number of teams from 32 to 48 and a division into 16 series of three selected teams, the format may change again, writes Marca.

The forum under the leadership of Gianni Infantino intends to divide the teams into 12 groups of 4 teams each. The top two from each group and the top 8 third-placed teams will advance to the Round of 16, where 32 teams will participate.

Thus, of the 64 matches of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, 104 matches will be played at the 2026 World Cup if these changes are implemented. The decision will be made after the final tournament in Qatar.

FIFA, in agreement with the Federations, decided to expand the format of the World Cup so that football covers all corners of the world, Infantino said in a statement.