The International Football Federation (FIFA) has revealed the new system for the 2026 World Cup, which has surprised football fans around the world. This new system will be used for the first time in the expanded tournament, which will take place in three countries for the first time: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The new system will involve 48 teams participating, divided into 12 groups, each consisting of 4 teams, an increase of 4 groups compared to the last edition in 2022.
**Qualification Process:**
From each group, the team that finishes in first place and the team that finishes in second place will qualify. Additionally, 8 teams, which are the best third-placed teams based on points, will also qualify. The tournament will eliminate the worst 4 teams that finished in third place, along with 12 teams that finish at the bottom of each of the 12 groups.
**Next Rounds:**
The next round will feature 32 teams forming the Round of 32, which will subsequently lead to 16 teams making up the previously known Round of 16.
**General Confusion:**
According to a report by "Sky News," this system has raised confusion among viewers, as it provides a greater opportunity for teams to qualify from the groups, which may reduce the overall competitiveness of the tournament. The introduction of the Round of 32 has also raised eyebrows, as it adds an extra stage prior to the classic Round of 16.
Fans criticized the unnecessary expansion of the World Cup, considering that the goal was to increase the number of matches and overall income from the tournament, while diminishing the level of competition.
The 23rd edition of the World Cup will take place across 16 stadiums in the three countries, with the final being held in the United States. The tournament will last 40 days, an increase of 10 days compared to recent editions.
