FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to become the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams instead of 32, sparking both excitement and debate across the football world. The expanded format will make the competition larger and longer, affecting the number of group-stage matches and the pathway to the knockout rounds.
According to BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty, FIFA’s decision to expand the tournament is now widely viewed as a long-term change, with little likelihood of a return to the 32-team format. He said that once FIFA alters the structure of a major tournament, reversing the decision becomes extremely difficult.
Football experts and pundits believe the expansion is beneficial for the growth of the sport but could also increase the risk of “group-stage fatigue,” with fewer compelling matches in the early stages of the tournament.
Several former players and analysts have stated that one-sided matches could become more common in the opening rounds as new and comparatively weaker teams gain entry to the World Cup. FIFA, however, argues that the format will support the global expansion of football and provide smaller nations with access to the sport’s biggest stage.
Group K is being viewed as one of the tournament’s most interesting groups, featuring teams from Europe, Africa, Asia and South America.
Portugal is considered the best side in the group and is led by the experienced Cristiano Ronaldo. The squad also includes Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha.
Colombia is also regarded as a b contender. Players such as Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez are expected to provide the team with attacking strength. For DR Congo and World Cup debutants Uzbekistan, participation in this group is expected to be a significant experience.
England is considered a b title contender in Group L. The team, led by Harry Kane, is viewed as being in b form. Croatia is expected to be England’s biggest challenge in the group after reaching the final of the 2018 World Cup and performing bly in the previous two editions of the tournament.
Although Croatia’s squad is considered older, experienced players such as Luka Modric remain central to the team. Ghana and Panama are also seen as capable of producing surprises in the group.
France is regarded as the best side in Group I. The world’s No. 1-ranked team is known for its attacking style and b squad depth.
Senegal and Norway are expected to provide the best challenge for second place in the group. Norway possesses players such as Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, who can influence the outcome of matches.
Iraq is being viewed as a dark horse in the group and will attempt to reach the knockout stage for the first time.
Defending champions Argentina are once again considered b contenders in Group J. The team is viewed as maintaining stability in its performances even after Lionel Messi.
Austria and Algeria are expected to present challenges in the group, while Jordan will be making its World Cup debut, adding both uncertainty and interest to the group.
BBC experts have offered differing predictions for the tournament. Some consider France and Spain the leading title contenders, while others view England and Portugal as b candidates.
Some experts have also criticised the 48-team format, arguing that it could affect the overall quality of the tournament and represents a change driven primarily by commercial considerations.
FIFA’s new format provides a historic opportunity for smaller nations. Teams such as Uzbekistan and Jordan will participate in the World Cup for the first time, a development viewed as an important step for football growth in those countries.
Critics, however, argue that the expanded format could disrupt the competitive balance of the tournament and lead to uneven contests during the early stages.
