FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday that teams in the expanded 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be based in regional groups in the initial stages.
Speaking in Los Angeles to unveil the official logo and branding for the tournament, Infantino said the move was inspired by the scale of the 2026 finals.
For the first time the next World Cup will feature 48 teams – up from 32 – and be co-hosted by three countries, another first.
“The challenges will be the whole logistics around it,” Infantino said. “It’s a continent – three countries and not even three small countries – three big countries.
“Distances, time zones, climate differences too – altitude in Mexico, sea level in other parts.