What the SE should expect during the WC in 2026
Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2022 10:56 pm
Three countries per group
A unique feature of the group structure during the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is, firstly, the three countries per group. In previous editions of the FIFA World Cup, there were always four.
Group stage matches: no ties, direct decision
Secondly, the new format results in the unique fact that a group match cannot end in a tie. If the score is still tied after 90 minutes of play, penalty kicks will immediately follow to decide the match (without playing an extension first).
Nine days between nations first matches
Another consequence of the record number of 48 participants is that there are nine days between the dates on which the first and last countries first enter a match.
Knock out system starts with round of 32
For the remainder of the tournament, the schedule will continue according to the traditional knockout system. The round of 32, the round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final consist of one match. In case of a tie at the end of the regular match time, two 15-minute extensions will follow. If this does not yield a winner, it will go to penalties.
1+1+2+4+8+16+48=80 matches
A total of 80 matches are scheduled for the World Cup in North America. Previously, there were a maximum of 64 matches. The eighty matches in the 2026 World Cup are divided into 48 group matches (in groups A to P) + 16 x round of 32 + 8 x 8th finals + 4 x quarterfinals + 2 x semifinals + 1 match for third place and, of course, the World Cup Final.
https://www.2026worldcupnorthamerica.co ... ccer-2026/
A unique feature of the group structure during the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is, firstly, the three countries per group. In previous editions of the FIFA World Cup, there were always four.
Group stage matches: no ties, direct decision
Secondly, the new format results in the unique fact that a group match cannot end in a tie. If the score is still tied after 90 minutes of play, penalty kicks will immediately follow to decide the match (without playing an extension first).
Nine days between nations first matches
Another consequence of the record number of 48 participants is that there are nine days between the dates on which the first and last countries first enter a match.
Knock out system starts with round of 32
For the remainder of the tournament, the schedule will continue according to the traditional knockout system. The round of 32, the round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final consist of one match. In case of a tie at the end of the regular match time, two 15-minute extensions will follow. If this does not yield a winner, it will go to penalties.
1+1+2+4+8+16+48=80 matches
A total of 80 matches are scheduled for the World Cup in North America. Previously, there were a maximum of 64 matches. The eighty matches in the 2026 World Cup are divided into 48 group matches (in groups A to P) + 16 x round of 32 + 8 x 8th finals + 4 x quarterfinals + 2 x semifinals + 1 match for third place and, of course, the World Cup Final.
https://www.2026worldcupnorthamerica.co ... ccer-2026/