Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WHY WILL THE 2026 WORLD CUP HAVE 48 TEAMS?
FIFA has decided to expand the number of participating teams from 32 to 48 for the 2026 World Cup, a move that has generated both excitement and debate. Why do it? The reasons range from global inclusion to economic potential, but there are also sporting, social, and cultural factors behind it. This change will not only transform the tournament format but also the way fans around the world experience the World Cup. Below, we explain in detail the real reasons behind this expansion and how it will affect international football.
How and why FIFA decided to expand the World Cup
FIFA officially announced in 2017 that the 2026 World Cup would have 48 teams. The measure was unanimously approved and represented the biggest expansion of the tournament since 1998, when it went from 24 to 32 teams. The main objective, according to the organization, is "to make the World Cup a more inclusive, representative, and global tournament."
A more global World Cup
Until Qatar 2022, many regions of the planet were underrepresented. Africa had only 5 slots, Asia 4 or 5, and North America just 3. With the new format, these continents will gain more places, allowing new nations to participate for the first time in history.
Africa: goes from 5 to 9 or 10 slots.
Asia: from 4.5 to 8 or 9.
Europe: from 13 to 16.
CONCACAF (North, Central America and the Caribbean): from 3.5 to 6.
South America (CONMEBOL): from 4.5 to 6.
Oceania: will have 1 direct berth for the first time.
This means that teams that previously saw the World Cup as an unattainable dream—like Panama, Morocco, Vietnam, or New Zealand—will now have greater opportunities. FIFA estimates that more than 80 countries will compete at least once in the next decade thanks to this change.
More matches, more excitement
The new format will include 12 groups of 4 teams. The top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams will qualify, forming a round of 32 teams in the round of 16. In total, there will be 104 matches, 40 more than at Qatar 2022. This guarantees more football, more goals, and more opportunities to see first-ever matchups. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated: “The World Cup is a global celebration, and everyone deserves an invitation.” That is the philosophy behind the expansion: to share the football experience with more nations, more cultures, and more fans.
What changes in football with 48 teams
On a sporting level, the increase to 48 teams will generate a revolution. Some critics fear that the quality of the tournament will be diluted, but others see this format as an opportunity for the global growth of football. In the end, the impact will be enormous in every way.
More competition and opportunities
Emerging teams will have the opportunity to compete with the major powers, gaining experience and visibility. This will help raise the level of football in regions where development is still limited.
What was once a privilege for the few will now be a challenge for many. There will be more investment in sports infrastructure in new countries. Young players will have more opportunities to showcase themselves on the biggest stage. The diversity of playing styles will enrich the tournament. Furthermore, more teams mean more stories, more surprises, and more unexpected heroes. Who doesn't remember Iceland at Euro 2016 or Morocco at Qatar 2022? The new format could give us more football fairy tales like these.Expansion as an engine for development
FIFA seeks to bring football to every corner of the planet. In recent years, the organization has invested billions in development programs in Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The new format is a natural extension of that objective: to reward federations that have grown and to promote equal opportunities. According to internal FIFA studies, the number of professional players worldwide has grown by 60% since 2000, and the number of countries with organized leagues exceeds 200. With more World Cup places, football becomes even more democratized. Women's football is also expected to benefit from greater global visibility. New television markets will attract record audiences. More national teams mean more national identity and sporting pride. The economic impact: staggering figures. The 2026 World Cup will generate astronomical figures. FIFA projects revenues exceeding $11 billion, 40% more than in 2022. This is due to the increase in television rights, sponsors, and ticket sales. Furthermore, the host cities will benefit from tourism, infrastructure, and temporary employment. More than 5.5 million fans are expected to attend the stadiums. The average expenditure per visitor will be around USD 2,500. The event could generate more than 150,000 temporary jobs. Clearly, the 2026 World Cup will not only be a celebration of football, but also an unprecedented global economic engine.
More football, more countries, more stories
With 48 teams, the 2026 World Cup promises more excitement and diversity. The expansion also presents new challenges, both for the organizers and the national teams. But the potential for spectacle is enormous, and fans are already rubbing their hands together.
More decisive matches and more goals
With more teams and knockout stages, a significant increase in goals and close matches is expected.
FIFA estimates that the average number of goals per tournament could reach 180, compared to 172 at Qatar 2022. Furthermore, the format will favor unexpected matchups and upsets. There will be 24 debutant teams in the knockout stage. A 20% increase in matches decided by penalties is expected. Fans will enjoy 39 consecutive days of top-level football. Challenges of the expanded format: It won't all be easy. The logistics for 48 teams in three countries will be monumental. The United States, Mexico, and Canada will have to coordinate flights, accommodations, and schedules across 16 venues. Additionally, there is a risk that some group stage matches could lose their appeal if the gap between teams is too large. However, FIFA is confident that the overall quality of the tournament will be maintained. With more players developed in competitive leagues and more professional national teams, the average level has risen considerably. UEFA and CONMEBOL will provide the base of elite talent. Emerging federations will have more technical support. Matches in the Americas will attract unprecedented energy due to cultural diversity. What the fans gain: For fans, the change is a blessing. More teams mean more stories, more surprises, and more reasons to turn on the TV or travel. Furthermore, with three host countries, tickets will be more affordable for fans in the Americas. FIFA plans to create "continental Fan Zones" to watch the matches on giant screens, with music, food, and cultural events. The 2026 World Cup will be a global celebration, not only in stadiums, but in the streets, parks, and squares of the world. And although some purists will miss the 32-team format, this expansion represents the future: a more open, diverse, and truly universal football. The 2026 World Cup will not only have more teams, but more dreams, more emotions, and more reasons to love football.
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