The rumors of the New York Times expert journalist, Tariq Panja, have been confirmed: a new format for the 2026 World Cup (to be held between Mexico, the United States, and Canada) was approved at the FIFA board meeting.
FIFA has approved a new World Cup format: under the latest changes, 40 more matches will be played compared to those played in Qatar 2022.
The number of participating teams will rise from the current 32 (as it has since 1998) to 48. From the northernmost and westernmost point, Vancouver, to the easternmost point, Boston, and ending at the southern limit represented by Mexico City. Almost 5,000 km as the crow flies.
With the addition of 24 matches to the originally planned 80, the World Cup will feature a total of 104 competitions (40 more than the last edition in Qatar) for a total duration of 40 days. Teams that make it to the semifinals will play 8 matches instead of the classic 7.
