The first 48-team men's World Cup in North America, won by Spain, showed mixed results. It boosted global diversity with new participants like Cape Verde but also revealed a wider class gap and a flawed third-place system. FIFA hints at further expansion to 64 teams.
The article argues that Fifa’s 48-team World Cup expanded opportunity and global reach, but also increased competitive imbalance and exposed flaws in the knockout setup. It says further growth to 64 teams would intensify logistical and sporting problems.
The 2030 World Cup will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, marking the first time it spans multiple confederations. Special centenary matches will also be held in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, commemorating the 1930 tournament.
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra-time to win the expanded 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament saw traditional powerhouses dominate but also featured surprising runs from teams like Cabo Verde and Norway, while hosts like Canada showed significant progress.
FIFA-Präsident Gianni Infantino denkt über eine erneute Erweiterung des WM-Teilnehmerfeldes auf 64 Nationen nach. Er begründet dies mit dem Wunsch, dass die ganze Welt von der WM träumen dürfe und die Qualität der Teams weltweit steige. Die aktuelle WM mit 48 Teams wird als großer Erfolg gewertet.
The expanded 48-team World Cup is now down to eight, with six European teams, plus Argentina and Morocco. History suggests the winner will again be from Europe or South America, as has been the case in all 22 previous tournaments.
Despite a record nine AFC teams qualifying for the expanded World Cup, only Australia and Japan reached the knockout rounds, winning just three of 27 group games, highlighting a gap in Asian football compared to African teams' success.
Canada secured a 1-0 win over South Africa in a lackluster World Cup match, with Stephen Eustaquio's stoppage-time goal avoiding extra time. The game highlighted concerns over the 48-team format's quality.
The 2026 World Cup is witnessing a significant increase in goals scored from crosses, with 29 of 48 teams scoring within five seconds of a cross in the first two rounds. This trend, defying a decrease in overall crosses, suggests a higher quality of delivery into dangerous positions, potentially signaling a return to traditional wing play.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has recorded eight own goals in its first 10 days, the second-highest total in tournament history. The United States has benefited from own goals in consecutive matches, a first in men's World Cup history.
The first round of World Cup fixtures has concluded, with Opta data revealing key insights. Mexico's slow build-up contrasted with South Africa's lack of threat. South Korea's win featured a long passing sequence, while Bosnia and Herzegovina relied heavily on set pieces. The USA dominated Paraguay, and many favorites struggled due to low-quality chances.
BBC Sport experts have ranked all 48 teams after the opening World Cup games. France tops the list, followed by England and Argentina. The rankings highlight standout performances and potential weaknesses in the early stages of the tournament.
BBC Sport journalists have ranked all 48 teams after their opening World Cup matches. France tops the list, followed by England and Argentina, with Germany and USA rounding out the top five.
BBC Sport journalists have ranked all 48 teams after their opening World Cup matches. France tops the list, followed by England and Argentina, with Germany and USA rounding out the top five.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup expands to 48 teams, boosting African representation with ten qualifiers. Opening matches feature on-field drama and broader tensions, from xenophobia debates in South Africa to historic France–Senegal connections and DR Congo’s return after 1974.
The 2026 World Cup group stage concludes today, with all 48 teams having played their first match. This guide covers Portugal vs. DR Congo, England vs. Croatia, Ghana vs. Panama, and Uzbekistan vs. Colombia, including kick-off times, broadcast details, and key players to watch.
The 2026 World Cup, the largest in history with 48 teams and 104 matches, has begun. The BBC is seeking reports from residents of the 16 host cities across Mexico, Canada, and the US about the local atmosphere, business impact, and fan mood.
D-Smart will broadcast the 2026 World Cup, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The platform offers features like 3-day rewind for matches, free access via D-Smart GO on various devices, live broadcasts from America, special studio programs, and unique social media content.
The 2026 World Cup in North America faces significant weather challenges, including thunderstorms, extreme heat, humidity, and potential tropical storms across its 16 host cities. Altitude in Mexico City also poses a risk, raising concerns about competitive fairness.
The 2026 World Cup in North America faces significant weather challenges, including thunderstorms, extreme heat, humidity, and tropical storms across its 16 host cities. Mexico City's altitude also presents unique conditions for players.
ITV anticipates the World Cup will be its most profitable sports broadcast, projecting advertising revenues 30% higher than Euro 2024. The expanded tournament offers six weeks of high viewership, attracting a diverse range of advertisers, including tech giants and new entrants to TV advertising.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the upcoming 48-team World Cup as the biggest security challenge in FBI and American history, citing threats from drones, terrorists, and millions of visitors. The FBI is coordinating with international law enforcement and DHS, conducting background checks, and training officers in counterdrone measures.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring a record 48 teams, kicks off on June 11th (Japan time June 12th). The tournament is expected to draw top strikers, with France's captain Mbappé considered a strong favorite for the Golden Boot, aiming for an unprecedented second consecutive top scorer title.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest ever with 48 teams, 104 matches, and 3 host nations (US, Canada, Mexico). It features a record 1,248 players, with legends like Ronaldo and Messi chasing new milestones.
