Arsene Wenger, head of the FIFA development department, spoke about the plans to organize the 2026 World Cup.
According to the specialist, the final format of the tournament will be determined next year. At the meetings, 3 variants of schemes will be considered - 12 groups of 4 teams, 16 groups of 3 teams or 2 groups of 24 teams.
There is no standard structure with 8 quartets on the list, because 48 teams will definitely take part in the 2026 World Cup, not 32.
It is not yet known how exactly the playoff stage will look after the modification of the group stage.