So FIFA World Cup 2026 is going to be massive ah . Not 32 teams but a full 48 teams this time. I am still trying to wrap my head around this whole thing.
The tournament kicks off on June 11,and it's being shared between USA,Canada,and Mexico . This is first time they are doing it with so many nations and matches.
And the whole group stage format is now completely changed . Instead of old eight groups of four,now there will be 12 groups of four teams.
Honestly,this is where things get a bit confusing for me .
So,top two from every group will qualify,but also the eight best third-placed teams will also go through . This means knockout stage will have 32 teams instead of 16. That's double the teams fighting for the cup.
Few things standing out clearly in this new setup:
- Total matches jumping from 64 to a crazy 104.
- Iraq is making a comeback after 40 long years,and Scotland after 28.
- Mexico will become first country to host World Cup three times.
And they're adding a whole new knockout round,the Round of 32,before the Round of 16 even starts . The whole thing will last nearly six weeks . That is lot of football to watch.
Most of the games will be in the United States,which has 11 stadiums . Mexico gets three and Canada gets two. The final is also going to be in the US only .
They are saying this is for more global representation and giving more countries a chance which is good thing of course . But with 104 matches,is it really about the sport or just about more broadcasting money and revenue…
