World Cup 2026 : USA, Mexico, Canada

[Oldsmobile-88]

The next World Cup will have 48 teams competing. Up from 32 who were in Qatar.
4 teams in 12 groups is the first stage. There was a thought of 3 teams in 16 groups. FIFA rationale behind the huge expansion is more money can be made(no doubt to line more pockets at the top)

 

[iscalad]

The next World Cup will have 48 teams competing. Up from 32 who were in Qatar.
4 teams in 12 groups is the first stage. There was a thought of 3 teams in 16 groups. FIFA rationale behind the huge expansion is more money can be made(no doubt to line more pockets at the top)

View attachment 11246

Farce

 

[Oldsmobile-88]

16 places from UEFA qualification (up 3 from Qatar)

 

[ecfc70]

Having groups of 4 is definitely the better format, Spain 82 had groups of 3 and iirc one of the last games played out to a farcical draw as both teams would qualify if that was the result
More teams from the other federations make for a better balance but it could also see some big scorelines
At least Canada won't be tge 1st host to get knocked out in the group stages if they suffer that fate

 

[Colesman Ballz]

It is a total joke. FIFA are one step away from turning the World Cup into a World League of National Teams.

 

[Boyo]

I don't think the image in the OP was quite right. It should be:


the new format is farcical and driven purely by greed. The Qatar tournament from a purely football perspective was wonderful and the fact that some giants of the game didn't qualify is a good thing and keeps quality high.

 

[Oldsmobile-88]

I don't think the image in the OP was quite right. It should be:
View attachment 11293

the new format is farcical and driven purely by greed. The Qatar tournament from a purely football perspective was wonderful and the fact that some giants of the game didn't qualify is a good thing and keeps quality high.

Yep..I did wonder why there were no venues on the East Coast.

Jeeze a few cheesy corporate stadium names there...At least the Aztec Stadium has not succumbed, unless it’s advertising a 70s chocolate bar