World football’s governing body FIFA is set to revisit the format of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, according to the organization’s president Gianni Infantino.
The current proposed format sees the tournament expanded from 32 to 48 team teams which were set to be divided into 16 groups of three, with the top two progressing to the last 32.
Infantino however shared that FIFA would be re-evaluating that plan following what he deemed a “successful” four-team groups format at the world cup in Qatar.
“Here the groups of four have been absolutely incredible,” said Infantino.
“Until the last minute of the last match, you would not know who goes through.
“We have to revisit or at least re-discuss the format. This is something that will certainly be on the agenda in the next meeting.”
Round of 16 qualifications went down to the wire for several teams during the group stages in Qatar including shock exits of some favorites as countries intensely fought to secure a top-two place for advancement.
The current group format, with the top two going through to the knockout stages, has been used since the men’s World Cup expanded to 32 teams in 1998 staging.
Infantino was speaking at a news conference in Qatar after attending a Fifa council meeting.
With the third-place play-off and final remaining the Italian commended the organizers; Qatar for what he declares the “best World Cup”
“Thanks to everyone involved, Qatar, all the volunteers to make this the best World Cup ever,” the President said.
“Matches have been played without incidents. It has been a very joyful atmosphere.”
“There is something happening when we talk about football becoming truly global, with an African team [Morocco] reaching the semi-final for the first time.”
“We also had a woman [Stephanie Frappart] referee a match for the first time.”
“It has been an incredible success, approaching five billion in terms of viewing figures. The fans meeting the Arab world, it has been very important for the future of all of us.”
The 2026 World Cup is slated to be a jointly hosted tournament split between the USA, Canada, and Mexico who have all automatically qualified as hosts.
