The 2026 FIFA World Cup features a record 48 teams and 1,248 players, making it the largest edition in the tournament’s history. Matches are spread across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The expansion from the previous 32-team format added 16 additional national squads to the competition. More than 1,200 athletes earned roster spots for the monthlong event.
Organizers scheduled a record 104 matches to accommodate the enlarged field. Host cities span three nations in the first tri-nation World Cup.
The scale of the tournament presents logistical challenges for travel, scheduling and fan access. FIFA has billed the 48-team format as a milestone in the global growth of the sport.
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Sources:
https://www.npr.org/sections/news