The Brief
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, a significant expansion from the previous format.
Countries like Norway and Cape Verde are making headlines with their impressive World Cup qualifying campaigns.
The new format offers increased opportunities for nations outside traditional football powerhouses.
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature an expanded format that will significantly change the global soccer (football) landscape. This new structure provides increased opportunities for nations that have previously struggled to qualify for the tournament, giving more teams a chance to compete on the world stage.
The great expansion: a new blueprint for global football
What we know:
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, a significant increase from