World Cup from 2026

48 teams

Stage 1:

16 groups of 3
3 matches per group
each team plays 2 games
48 matches in total

Stage 2:

Top 2 from each group = 32 teams
8 groups of 4
6 matches per group
each team plays 3 games
48 matches in total

Stage 3:

Top 2 from each group into final 16 knock-out = 8 matches

Quarter finals = 4 matches

Semi Finals = 2 matches

Final & 3rd/4th playoff = 2 matches

That's 112 matches!

Finalists will have to play 9 games

Alternatives for 48 teams with fewer matches?

The alternative is to take out Stage 2 entirely and just play a last 32 knock out round, like the Europa League does.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ainsley Harriott

The alternative is to take out Stage 2 entirely and just play a last 32 knock out round, like the Europa League does.

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I thought that was the plan.

With the three team groups it'll mean that every match will mean something.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ainsley Harriott

The alternative is to take out Stage 2 entirely and just play a last 32 knock out round, like the Europa League does.

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Apologies the last 32 will be knock-out ...

48 + 16 + 8 + 4 + 2 + 2 = 80 matches