With the 2022 World Cup in Qatar now concluded, FIFA is putting in place some plans for the 2026 tournaments, with a good number of innovations on the table.
The 23rd FIFA World Cup is expected to take place in June and July 2026. The competition will take place in three North American countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It will be the first time that the football jamboree is hosted by three different nations. There will be a total of 16 venues used as host cities for the 2026 World Cup. The U.S. will have 11, Canada 2, and Mexico 3.
The 2026 edition has its particularity. FIFA is expanding the next men’s World Cup finals from 32 to 48 teams, split into 16 groups of 3. The expanded format will increase the number of competing teams from Africa and Asia.
It means more money will be generated through sponsorships, merchandising, ticket sales and broadcast revenues. In accordance with BBC news, the governing body with is expecting to earn $11bn over the four-year cycle up to December 2026.
Although that could still change, the format for 2026 will mean 80 matches across the tournament . The United States would host 60 matches, including every match from the quarter-finals onward, while Canada and Mexico would host 10 matches each.
Notwithstanding, the tournament will still be played out within five weeks from mid-June 2026.
MENGUE MANGA Yves Manuel, ASMAC Journalism 3.
