More Teams, More Games, New Rules
The simple answer is that FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, decided to expand the tournament. For the past seven editions, since 1998, the World Cup has featured 32 national teams competing in 64 matches
over about a month. In 2026, that number is ballooning to 48 teams. This expansion directly leads to a much larger schedule. Instead of the familiar 64 matches, the tournament will now feature a staggering 104 matches, extending its duration to nearly 40 days. The structure is also changing. The old format of eight groups of four teams is being replaced by 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place teams, will advance to a newly created Round of 32. This adds an entire knockout stage that never existed before, guaranteeing more high-stakes drama and, of course, more games.
FIFA’s Official Pitch: Global Growth
Publicly, FIFA has framed the expansion as a move toward inclusivity and global development. The argument, led by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, is that a bigger tournament gives more countries a realistic chance to qualify for soccer’s biggest stage. For nations in Africa, Asia, and North America—which receive the biggest boosts in qualification spots—this is a game-changer. Reaching a World Cup can ignite national pride, secure funding for domestic soccer programs, and inspire a new generation of players and fans. By opening the doors to more participants, FIFA claims it is fulfilling its mission to grow the sport worldwide. For countries that perennially fall just short of qualifying, the 48-team format represents a tangible new opportunity to join the party.
The Unspoken Driver: Money and Power
While global inclusion is a noble goal, there are undeniably powerful financial and political incentives at play. More matches mean more content to sell. The biggest source of FIFA’s revenue is television broadcasting rights, and a tournament with 104 games is a much more valuable product than one with 64. More games also mean more tickets to sell, more hotel nights booked in host cities, and more opportunities for corporate sponsorships. This financial windfall doesn’t just benefit FIFA’s bottom line; it’s also a powerful political tool. FIFA distributes hundreds of millions of dollars to its 211 member federations around the world. A richer FIFA means more development money can be promised and delivered, which helps the organization’s leadership secure support and maintain power. Expanding the World Cup was a key campaign promise for Infantino, and delivering it solidifies his standing among the many nations that now have a better shot at glory—and the funding that comes with it.
A Continent-Sized Challenge
This supersized tournament requires a supersized host. It’s no coincidence that the first 48-team World Cup is being co-hosted by three of the largest countries in North America. The logistical demands are immense. The tournament will be spread across 16 cities—11 in the U.S., two in Canada, and three in Mexico. For teams and fans, this will mean extensive travel across multiple time zones, a stark contrast to the compact nature of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The expanded format also puts a greater strain on players. A longer tournament means more time away from their club teams and a greater risk of fatigue and injury, a concern frequently raised by players’ unions. For organizers, coordinating security, transportation, and accommodations for 48 teams and millions of fans across a continent is an unprecedented challenge.
What It Means for the On-Field Product
So, will the soccer actually be better? That's the billion-dollar question. Critics worry that adding 16 more teams will dilute the overall quality of play, particularly in the group stage. The fear is a slate of lopsided matches where traditional powerhouses run up the score against less experienced nations, making for less compelling television. However, proponents argue the opposite. They point to past World Cups where underdog nations—like Morocco in 2022—provided some of the most exciting moments. A larger field could create more giant-killing opportunities and unpredictable storylines. The new format, where some third-place teams advance, may also discourage teams from playing defensively for a draw in their final group games, as goal difference could be crucial for survival. The only certainty is that the tournament's character will change.
