The 2022 FIFA World Cup ended in Qatar, with Argentina as the champions. The next tournament will turn a new leaf, as regards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The previous one hosted in Qatar, with some amazing moments throughout the competition. However, the WC is heading back to North America for the fourth time in history.
Mexico hosted the competition in 1970 and 1986, while the United States of America hosted it in 1994. So, they are about to host it again.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will involve three hosted North American countries; Mexico, Canada, and the United States of America.
As regards the tournament in that continent, players like Diego Maradona and Pele, with tremendous performances, helped their countries.
Reportedly, Lionel Messi is most likely to participate in the 2026 WC with Argentina. Of course, there will be some interesting moments to watch out for.
According to several reports, FIFA is set to approve changes for the 2026 men’s World Cup in North America.
They will expand the tournament, increasing the number of countries to participate and the number of games to play.
Regardless of the changes, the 2026 World Cup final will take place in the United States of America on Sunday, July 19th.
With the increase in the number of games to 104, all the fixtures in 39 days. Obviously, the tournament may be a tough one for the players.
2026 FIFA World Cup: What should we know ahead of the tournament?
48 teams instead of 32
The number of teams participating in North America for the tournament will be 48. Initially, it’s always had 32 sides, but it’s going to be 48 in 2026.
Also, it would include 16 European countries. And it will be hosted in 16 cities, as Canada, Mexico the USA joining hands together to host the WC.
104 games in total instead of 64
The days of competition will be 39 because of the increase in matches to, making it a tough and rough one.
Before, the total number of fixtures was usually 64, as there were 32 countries across the world. However, it will change in 2026.
Meanwhile, the knock-out round will be 32 instead of 16, since the number of total games has leveled up.
Also; World Cup 2026 will have 12 groups with four countries each, meaning the top two teams in each group will advance to the round of 32.
In addition, any 8 best third place teams will join the knock-out stage of 32. That means, the tournament will be very interesting in North America.
There were many surprises during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Morocco dazzled impressively, won over Croatia and the others.
What are the Continents to participate in World Cup 2026?
- AFC (Asia) – 8
- CAF (Africa) – 9
- CONCACAF (North America, Central America, Caribbean) – 3
- CONMEBOL (South America) – 6
- OFC (Oceania) – 1
- UEFA (Europe) – 16
How long will the tournament take?
The next tournament will last for 39 or 40 days, because the number of games to play has been increased to 104 with rounds of 32 instead of 16.
Apparently, ever since 1998, the World Cup has always had 32 teams, featuring 64 games over 32 days. However, everything has been expanded.
As a result, there’s going to be less international break, preparing for the tournament. Players will be released early by their clubs to their national teams.
What are the possible negative sides of the new changes?
Of course, playing 104 games would take everything from the players, going to be a long tournament for them.
Many clubs suffered massive injury woes in 2022 because of the FIFA World Cup. And some countries missed their best players.
As a result, more injury drama may come into reality in 2026. Because playing 104 games in 39 days will definitely exhaust the players.
Clubs like Chelsea are in shambles in their league, mainly because they have many injured players.
In all fairness, only teams with injury-free players would possibly go far in the tournament in 2026.