FIFA World Cup to have 40 more matches in 2026

Addis Ababa March 14, 2023 (FBC) – FIFA is set to approve an expansion of the men’s World Cup today with 40 more matches from the 2026 tournament in North America, Sky News Reported.

According to Sky News there will be a total of 104 matches in 2026  up from the 64 played in the Qatar World Cup. The decision to grow from 64 to 104 matches – rather than the 80 originally planned in 2026 – is due to come at a meeting of the governing body’s ruling council in Kigali, Rwanda, Sky News stated.

Sky News disclosed that adding matches helps FIFA chase its target of more than £9bn in revenue but it also solves format issues for the event being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Sky News indicated that FIFA had already agreed to enlarge the tournament from 32 to 48 teams.

It added that rather than having 16 groups each featuring three teams, FIFA will have 12 groups each with four countries, sources say.

Accordingly, the top two teams will advance to a round of 32 with the eight best third-placed teams.

It means teams reaching the final will now have to play eight matches, rather than the seven played by Qatar 2022 finalists Argentina and France, Sky News explained.

The final in the United States is due to be on Sunday, 19 July 2026.

By: Yonathan Yoseph