The Brief

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - The FIFA World Cup is set for its biggest change in a generation . For the 2026 tournament, the number of teams will jump from 32 to 48, altering the competition's format and creating a new set of opportunities and challenges for the world of soccer.

This breakdown explains the new format, the arguments for and against the change and its impact on different regions.

How has the World Cup format changed over the years?

The 2026 World Cup will introduce a new format for just the fourth time in World Cup history .

The new format brings a total of 17 additional qualifying places, which will be distributed across the world's six confederations. Forty-six teams will now qualify automatically, with the final two spots decided in a playoff tournament.

The

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