FIFA approves World Cup expansion to 48 teams in 2026

FIFA is set to expand the World Cup to 48 teams beginning with the 2026 tournament, soccer's world governing body announced Tuesday. The World Cup will add 16 nations and the format will include 16 three-team groups with the top two in each advancing to a round of 32. The updated format will be assembled so rest days for players won't be compromised. The maximum number of matches for a team to reach the finals would be seven. FIFA says the move will add extra $1 billion in income with 80 matches instead of 64.