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2026 World Cup Format Approved; Includes 12 Groups for North American Tournament

Get ready for a 48-team World Cup in 2026.

On Tuesday, the FIFA Council formally approved expanding the men's World Cup beginning with the next tournament. The format will see the countries split into 12 groups of four with a total of 104 matches staged between the group stage and knockout rounds.

B/R Football @brfootball

FIFA approves World Cup format for 2026:<br><br>u25aaufe0f 104 games<br>u25aaufe0f 48 teams<br>u25aaufe0f 12 groups of 4, 3 games played<br>u25aaufe0f 8 maximum games (up from 7)<br>u25aaufe0f Top 2 teams in each group plus 8 best 3rd-placed sides advance <a href="https://t.co/2uHLLOC7Eo">pic.twitter.com/2uHLLOC7Eo</a>

This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.