FIFA Announces: The 2026 World Cup Will Comprise 104 Matches

The International Football Federation (FIFA) announced on Tuesday that the 2026 World Cup will consist of 104 matches instead of 64, in light of the increase in the number of participating teams to 48. This announcement came after its conference held in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. This edition, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the first tournament to feature 48 teams, with the final scheduled for July 19, 2026. It has been decided that each group will consist of four teams, after a proposal for three-team groups was rejected due to concerns over collusion. Additionally, the top eight teams among the third-placed teams will qualify for the Round of 32. FIFA stated in a release: "The FIFA Council unanimously approved the proposed amendment to the format of the 2026 World Cup." It added, "The revised format reduces the risk of collusion and ensures that every team plays at least three matches while providing balanced rest periods between competing teams."