WORLD football governing body FIFA has adjusted the format for the next World Cup, which is billed to take place in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico in 2026.
It will be the first time three countries will be jointly hosting the World Cup and the first one with 48 teams, up from 32 that featured at the last tournament in Qatar in November and December 2022.
Instead of the initial plan of splitting the 48 teams into 16 groups of three each, FIFA has decided to go another route, claiming that it will make the tournament a better event.
“Based on a thorough review that considered sporting integrity, player welfare, team travel, commercial and sporting attractiveness, as well as team and fan experience, the FIFA Council unanimously approved the proposed amendment to the FIFA World Cup 2026 competition 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,” FIFA explained in a press release made available to Naija Times today.
“The revised format mitigates the risk of collusion and ensures that all the teams play a minimum of three matches, while providing balanced rest time between competing teams.”
Breaking it down, the format means there will be an additional round from the previous World Cup, with only 16 of the 48 teams dropping out at the group stages.
The world body also confirmed the start date and final schedule for the World Cup in North America.
“Based on the new calendar, the FIFA World Cup 2026 final will be played on Sunday, 19 July 2026, with the mandatory release period starting on 25 May 2026, following the last official club match on 24 May 2026 (exemptions may apply to the final matches of confederation club competitions until 30 May 2026 subject to FIFA’s approval),” FIFA noted.
“With 56 days, the total combined number of rest, release and tournament days remain identical to the 2010, 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup editions.”
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