FIFA has officially confirmed the expanded 48-team format for the 2026 World Cup, the biggest change since the tournament moved to 32 teams in 1998.
New Format
48 teams divided into 16 groups of 3. Top 2 from each group advance to a 32-team knockout stage. Total matches increase from 64 to 104.
Slot Allocation
Asia: 8.5 (up from 4.5), Africa: 9.5 (up from 5), Europe: 16 (up from 13), South America: 6.5 (up from 4.5), CONCACAF: 6.5 (up from 3.5), Oceania: 1.5 (up from 0.5).