World Cup to have 40 more matches as four team groups remain

The World Cup will retain its four-team group format in 2026 as the number of matches meaning there will be 40 more matches than Qatar 2022.

FIFA had originally planned to expand the tournament by 16 matches as the number of teams grew from 32 to 48, meaning it would be groups of three rather than the traditional four.

But the governing body are now set to confirm that World Cup 2026, being held jointly in USA, Canada and Mexico, will have a record 104 matches.

That means it will be 12 groups of four and the eight best third placed teams will qualify for the last-32 knockout stage along with all the table toppers and runners up.

Argentina won the trophy in Qatar by playing seven games, but the next winner will have to go one step further with eight games thanks to the extra knockout round.

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