Reports had earlier suggested that FIFA was considering a 16-group format with three teams each, and a penalty shootout after a draw in the group stage phase to decide a winner. However, FIFA has rejected these proposals in favour of the new 12-group format. The revised format aims to mitigate the risk of collusion and ensures that all teams play a minimum of three matches while providing balanced rest time between competing teams.
The decision was made at FIFA’s 73rd Congress in Kigali, Rwanda. The Congress also approved the final date for the tournament, Sunday, July 19, 2026. The World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The expansion of the tournament is expected to generate more revenue for FIFA, but it has also raised concerns about the quality of play, and the impact on players and fans.
The new format is expected to be a boon for smaller footballing nations, who have struggled to qualify for the World Cup in the past. The expansion will provide more opportunities for countries like Iceland, which made its World Cup debut in 2018 and other smaller nations that have been denied the chance to participate in the tournament due to the limited number of available slots.
The expanded tournament will also provide a boost for the host nations, which will benefit from increased tourism and economic activity. The United States hosted the World Cup in 1994, while Mexico hosted the tournament twice, in 1970 and 1986. For Canada, this will be the first time they will host a World Cup, and it is expected to be a significant boost for the country’s footballing infrastructure.