Hand in hand with Lionel Messi, the Argentine national team was crowned champion of the 2022 Qatar World Cup after defeating France in a thrilling penalty shootout. After that, many fans wonder when, where, and how the next edition of the World Cup will be played, which will undergo some important changes compared to previous ones. In this article, we will tell you all the details you need to know about the next World Cup.
When will the 2026 World Cup start?
According to information provided by FIFA so far, the next edition of the World Cup will be played in the middle of the year, just like before Qatar 2022.
The The opening match of the 2026 World Cup is scheduled for June 9, while the final will be played on July 18.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Mbappé's shocked face amidst Messi and 'Dibu' Martínez's joy
Where will the 2026 World Cup be played?
The 2026 World Cup will have three host countries for the first time in history: United States, Mexico, and Canada. Eleven stadiums will be located in the first territory, three in the second, and only two in the third.
How many slots will there be for the 2026 World Cup?
For the next edition of the World Cup, the slots will be significantly expanded. FIFA confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be played with 48 qualified countries, instead of the 32 as before. Consequently, Conmebol will provide six and a half slots for the South American nations.
- Asia: 8.5
- Africa: 9.5
- North, Central America, and the Caribbean: 6.5
- Europe: 16
- South America: 6.5
- Oceania: 1.5
What will be the format of the 2026 World Cup?
Due to the larger number of teams, the 2026 World Cup will change the traditional format that has been used. One of the options being considered is to have 16 groups of three teams, where the top two places will advance to the round of 16.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: With Argentina as champion: when do the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup begin?
The second alternative is to have 12 groups of four countries, where the top two positions and the eight best third places advance to the next round.
The FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, stated that this is not yet defined and they continue to evaluate how the next World Cup will be played.