FIFA approved the format for the first 48-team World Cup

The International Football Federation (FIFA) has approved the format for the next World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Mexico and Canada in 2026. The FIFA Council, in particular, approved the reduction in the number of groups from 16 to 3 teams to 12 to 4, said press office organizations.

In addition, the council approved an amendment, according to which the two teams from all groups with the most points and the eight best teams that took third places in the groups will directly go to the 1/16 of the tournament.

The final tournament of the World Cup in 2026 will be held for the first time with the participation of 48 teams. The tournament will also be hosted by three countries for the first time – Canada, Mexico and the United States. The final match of the 2026 World Cup will take place on July 19.

Erdni Kagaltynov