The 2026 football World Cup will not only be the biggest in history; it also looks set to become one of the most unusual and ambitious tournaments FIFA has ever organised. From record-breaking numbers and extreme heat to a Super Bowl-style show, the 2026 World Cup is set to bear little resemblance to any previous edition.
Here are five unusual features that will define the tournament, to be held between 11 June and 19 July in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
1. First World Cup with 48 teams
For the first time, 48 teams will take part, up from the 32 at Qatar 2022. The new format will feature 12 groups of four teams and will increase the total number of matches from 64 to 104.
The expansion will also lengthen the tournament, which will now run for 39 days. The revamped format will also allow more teams from Africa, Asia and CONCACAF to qualify, as part of FIFA's attempt to broaden the competition's global representation.
