Informal talks in Qatar
The world football association FIFA and the tournament organizers think “GuardiansAccording to the report, about a format change for the upcoming larger World Cup in 2026. So far, the first finals are to be played in 16 groups of three with 48 teams in the USA, Canada and Mexico in the preliminary round. According to the report, the possibility of twelve groups of four is currently being discussed “informally” during the World Cup in Qatar.
If the top two in the group and the eight best third parties advance in this mode, that would lead to 104 World Cup games – that would be 40 more games than are currently on the schedule in Qatar and 24 more than previously planned in 2026. With 16 groups of three and the following four knockout rounds, a total of 80 World Cup games will be played.
Atlanta to Vancouver: The 2026 World Cup stadiums sorted by size
Estadio Azteca | Mexico City | Capacity: 87,523
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MetLife Stadium | New York/NJ | Capacity: 82,500
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Capacity stated for the World Cup: 87,157
AT&T Stadium | Arlington | Capacity: 80,000
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Capacity stated for the World Cup: 92,967
Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City | Capacity: 76,416
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Capacity stated for the World Cup: 76,640
NRG Stadium | Houston | Capacity: 72,220
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Mercedes Benz Stadium | Atlanta | Capacity: 71,000
© Atlanta United Photos
Capacity stated for the World Cup: 75,000
SoFi Stadium | Los Angeles | Capacity: 70,240
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Could be expanded to 100,240
Lincoln Financial Field | Philly | Capacity: 69,796
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Capacity stated for the World Cup: 69,328
Lumen Field | Seattle | Capacity: 69,000
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Levi’s Stadium | Santa Clara | Capacity: 68,500
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Capacity stated for the World Cup: 70,909
Gillette Stadium | Boston | Capacity: 65,878
© New England Revolution
Capacity stated for the World Cup: 70,000
Hard Rock Stadium | Miami | Capacity: 64,767
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Capacity stated for the World Cup: 67,518
BC Place | Vancouver | Capacity: 54,500
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Estadio BBVA | Monterrey | Capacity: 53,500
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Capacity stated for the World Cup: 53,460
Akron Stadium | Guadalajara | Capacity: 49,850
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Capacity stated for the World Cup: 48,071
BMO Field | Toronto | Capacity: 30,000
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Expands to 45,500 for the tournament
The previous mode is criticized for the higher risk of collusion, since a nation must be free of play. FIFA expects significantly higher income from the increased number of games in the three-country finals. 16 countries that qualify in addition to the previous 32 will benefit.
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