Angel Valdes | March 14, 2023
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) approved the new format of the Soccer World Cup to be played in 2026 where the 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of 4 teams each.
This after weeks of speculation about the possible formats for the first World Cup with 48 participating teams. At a meeting in Rwanda, FIFA decided to maintain the 4-team group format, but now the number of groups is increasing with 12 in total.
For the next round, 32 teams will qualify, the first two of each group that make a total of 24 and the 8 best third places to start a round of 16th final, then 8th final, quarterfinal, semifinal and final.
The next World Cup to be held in Canada, the United States and Mexico in 2026 has the particularity that it will take place in 40 days, from June 8 to the final on June 19 with a total of 104 matches.