Why FIFA changed the format for the 2026 World Cup
The FIFA Council on Tuesday changed the group format for the 2026 World Cup from 16 groups of three teams to 12 groups of four teams, allowing Qatar to play 104 matches in 2022.
A fresh perspective
Since 1974, the country has had to play eight matches out of seven tournaments to qualify for the World Cup.
Starting with the knockout stage, the top two teams from each group, the top eight and the third-placed team advance to a new round of 32. In 1998, promotion to the third team from 24 to 32 teams was abolished.
Other sports
The change means that there will be 104 sports, with the U.S. Tickets will be available. 52 of the 1994 World Cup will be sold, increasing FIFA’s offers.
Why has it changed?
In January 2017, the council approved the original format for the 2026 tournament to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, expanding the World Cup from the original 32 to 48 countries. Final One day means leaving the team open to corruption. Meanwhile, with all teams in the same group on the final day, Germany, who had contested the 1982 World Cup in Spain, West Germany and Gijón, Austria, knew they would win by two goals. Both teams playing first flourished at the hands of Algeria. Horst Hrubesch goal saved the West German team 1-0 in the 10th minute.
Involved
FIFA announced that the final would take place on 19 July in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with a location yet to be announced; Arlington, Texas; and Inglewood, California
The duration of the tournament has not been decided yet and it will run for 38 to 42 days. The 1994 tournament ran from 17 June to 17 November.
It affects the players and the club
The day before the start of the World Cup, FIFA announced that the release date for players from their respective clubs would be 25 May. However, like the FIFA World Cup, the continental finals will be held until 30 May. After the day of release comes a period of rest – meaning training is permitted but national competition is prohibited. FIFA stated that the 2010, 2014 and 2018 World Cups would have a 56-day break and a post-tournament period
