World Cup to expand to 48 teams in 2026

[ImTellinTim]

If they wanted to expand, they should've just gone to 64 and made it longer to retain a "perfect" tournament (groups of 4, half of the teams go home).

[KG]

Any mention of expanding roster sizes?

I'd love to see England call up a 40 yr old Wayne Rooney

[Suntan Superman]

I'm waiting for them to do it as a 64-team single elimination tournament so it can just be Football Madness.

[jb12780]

Knowing FIFA, this one will probably hosted somewhere along the equator.

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[dickey1331]

Quote: Originally Posted by jb12780

Knowing FIFA, this one will probably hosted somewhere along the equator. Sent from my LGLS992 using Operation Sports mobile app

It's looking like US/Mexico/Canada are early favorites


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[ImTellinTim]

Marco van Basten said that FIFA is thinking about NASL-style shootouts in group stage matches for 2026.

[tpw2189]

ITs all about that money

[Thrash13]

Quote: Originally Posted by tpw2189

ITs all about that money

It always will be with everything!

The World Cup is one of the events that still feels really special, and this decision will certainly take a little bit of that away in the group stages. The top 8-10 teams are going to absolutely crush their two opponents in the group stage, but I imagine it'll be a bit more exciting for the teams ranked in the 10-16 range. Their group stages may be a little more exciting.

That being said, the event is still going to get really good when it's time for the Knockout Rounds. The "Sweet 16" so-to-speak will always be great in the World Cup!