The FIFA World Cup, the most prestigious international soccer tournament in the world, is set to undergo a major format change starting with the 2026 edition of the tournament. The new format, which was approved by FIFA's governing council in 2017, will see the number of teams participating in the tournament increase from 32 to 48.
Under the new format, the 48 teams will be divided into 16 groups of three, with the top two teams from each group advancing to a knockout stage. This will mean that the number of matches in the tournament will increase from 64 to 80, with the tournament lasting a total of 32 days.
The new format has been met with both excitement and criticism from soccer fans and experts around the world. Proponents of the change argue that it will provide more opportunities for smaller countries to participate in the tournament, giving them a chance to showcase their talents on the world stage.
Critics, on the other hand, have expressed concerns about the dilution of the quality of play in the tournament. With more teams participating, there is a fear that some of the matches will be less competitive, with weaker teams getting thrashed by their more accomplished opponents.
Another concern is that the increased number of matches could put a strain on the players, particularly those who are already playing in demanding club schedules. With more matches to play, there is a risk of burnout or injury, which could impact the quality of play in the tournament.
There are also logistical concerns surrounding the new format. With more teams and matches, there will be a greater strain on host cities and stadiums, particularly those in smaller countries that may struggle to accommodate the influx of fans and teams.
Despite these concerns, FIFA remains committed to the new format, which it believes will help to grow the sport around the world. The organization has said that it will work closely with host nations to ensure that the tournament runs smoothly, and that it will continue to monitor the impact of the new format on players and teams.
As soccer fans around the world prepare for the next World Cup, set to take place in Qatar in 2022, they will also be eagerly anticipating the changes that will come with the new format in 2026. While there may be some challenges to overcome, the expanded tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with more teams, more matches, and more opportunities for fans to cheer on their favorite players and nations.