World Cup 2026: where it will be played, how many matches and groups it will have

The next World Cup that will be organized jointly by Mexico, the United States and Canada would have a total of 106 matches, 40 more than the current one that is currently being developed in Qatar, according to FIFA, which evaluates changing the format so that the 48 selected that participate offer more spectacle. In addition, it was learned that the federation contemplates the possibility that the next World Cup Group Stage is composed of 12 groups of four teams, instead of 16 sectors with three teams each, as had been stipulated at first. In this way, and in case these modifications materialize, the first two of each group, as well as the eight best third parties would advance to the Final Sixteen, where 32 teams would play. As for the qualifiers of the Conmebol that has 10 selected, six teams would qualify directly while the seventh would go to a repechage. UEFA will have 16 places reserved, while in Africa there will be nine qualifiers and one repechage, in Asia eight direct and Oceania a team and a repechage. And finally Concacaf, organizers of the World Cup, will have three direct spots and a repechage. 

Original source in Spanish