‘Surprises from Africa and Asia’
The tried and tested format of eight groups of four teams, which has enthralled millions of fans, could explode for 2026 as FIFA considers a plan for 16 groups of three teams in the first phase.
More teams will mean more surprises, says Juergen Klinsmann, who won the World Cup with Germany and later coached the US men’s national team, such as when Saudi Arabia beat Argentina in their group opener.
“We are going to see more surprises from Africa and Asia in the (2026) tournament,” Klinsmann, head of FIFA’s technical group, told reporters in Qatar.
The 32-team World Cup in Qatar features a total of 64 matches, which are completed over 29 days, and for now, the 2026 finals will feature 80 matches over 32 days.
Along with the four-team groups, there will be 104 matches, requiring at least one extra week.
However, more matches would mean more television rights money and as the World Cup brings in around 90% of FIFA’s revenue, its leaders would be tempted.
FIFA said last month that the World Cup in Qatar generated $7.5 billion in rights and sponsorship revenue, a billion more than the 2018 final in Russia.
One sponsor is almost certainly looking forward to 2026, Budweiser, the official beer of the World Cup, with taps at stadiums shut by Qatari authorities days before the start.
The first World Cup held in a conservative Muslim country with strict alcohol controls, finding beer or wine in Qatar was a challenge and when you did it was expensive.
But in 2026 the taps will be running in 20 stadiums with fan zones full of thirsty supporters.