Dubai (Sports Desk) The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to become the largest global football event in history, featuring several major changes that have never been part of a World Cup before.
For the first time, the number of participating teams has been expanded from 32 to 48, increasing the total number of matches from 64 to 104. Under the new format, the team that wins the championship will need to play 8 matches instead of 7 to lift the trophy.
The 2026 World Cup will also provide opportunities for several new national teams to participate, including countries that have never previously qualified for the tournament.
The event is historic in another respect as well, as it will be the first FIFA World Cup to be jointly hosted by three countries: United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Travel across different time zones is expected to be a significant challenge for players. After the group stage, some teams may have to travel thousands of kilometers, potentially affecting fitness levels and on-field performance.
Fans may also face additional travel expenses and visa-related challenges due to knockout-stage matches being played across multiple countries.
Furthermore, for the first time in FIFA World Cup history, plans are being made to stage a halftime entertainment show during the final match, adding an extra dimension to the world's most prestigious football tournament and aiming to make the event even more memorable and spectacular.