FIFA World Cup 2026 will be in New Format as FIFA Approves it.
The highest governing body of world football, FIFA, has announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will have a new format. The FIFA Council Congress has approved the new format. It will include 48 participating teams instead of the current 32, and the event will take place in Rwanda.
FIFA New Format Details
Under the new format, the 48 participating teams will be divided into 12 groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the last 32. Additionally, the best eight teams that finish third will also advance. This means that each nation will be allowed to play at least three matches, ensuring more opportunities for participation.
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Reason for the Change
During the 2022 World Cup group stage in Qatar, there was thrilling action. FIFA President Gianni Infantino noted this as a justification for exploring the new format. Since the 1998 World Cup, when there were 32 participating teams, the present structure of four-team groups and the top two teams moving on to the knockout stages has been in use. To win the World Cup under the new round-of-32 format, a team will need to play eight games.
Other FIFA Decisions
FIFA has approved the men’s international calendar for the years 2025 through 2030 in addition to the new World Cup structure. The 2026 World Cup final will take place on July 19, 2026, and teams are required to release their players by May 25, 2026, in order to participate. FIFA has chosen to play the current annual FIFA Club World Cup between the winners of the Champions League and the Intercontinental Playoff since it won’t be held after 2023.
