
<p>There are changes in store for the 2026 World Cup. It is coming to North America. Therefore, it is the first World Cup with three joint hosts.</p>



<p>A quick word on the World Cup recently passed, though. FIFA won. FIFA faced numerous controversies regarding the tournament in Qatar and the policies and history involved. Those issues multiplied as the tournament neared. Same-sex relationships, alcohol consumption and the countless reports of migrant worker deaths marred the tournament.</p>



<p>In the end, the quality of play wiped that smear away from FIFA. End-to-end drama and Lionel Messi’s crowning moment are the points of history for the 2022 World Cup.</p>



<p>Unfortunately, the human rights abuses relegate to a footnote in the competition’s lore. </p>



<p>At least one of two things have to change in order to say any protests against this World Cup bore fruit. One, FIFA’s host selection process needs to be more vigorous in the future. It must place an emphasis on human rights records. Two, hosts, such as Qatar, change after hosting the event. </p>



<p>It is unlikely for either of these to occur. The tournament itself was incredible. The guilt of enjoying the competition on the field knowing what happened off takes over.</p>



<h2>Changes coming in the 2026 World Cup</h2>



<p>The single biggest change coming in 2026 is an increase in the number of participants. Rather than the 32 teams competing from 1998 to 2022, there are <a href="https:\/\/www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/13/three-hosts-48-teams-how-the-2026-world-cup-will-work-united" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">48 teams lined up</a> for 2026. </p>



<p>UEFA’s participation goes from 13 teams to 16. AFC (Asia) doubles its number of teams guaranteed a spot from 4 to 8, as will CONCACAF, which goes from 3 to 6. CAF (Africa) goes one better as they go from 4 to 9. CONMEBOL (South America) goes from 4 guaranteed places to 6. But the biggest winner is New Zealand. Oceania get a guaranteed spot. It is hard to see any Oceania team disposing of New Zealand in its qualification.</p>



<p>In addition to the guaranteed spots, the Intercontinental Playoffs remain. Those get two final spots.</p>



<h5>Quantity over Quality?</h5>



<p>The jump in 1998 to 32 came after four tournaments with 24 teams. One could certainly argue that increasing the number of teams to 48 may hurt quality. Yet, keep in mind that for the 1982 World Cup, when it rose to 24, 109 nations attempted to qualify. For the most recent World Cup in Qatar, 211 nations competed in qualifications. The number of soccer federations on the planet almost doubled. This is clearly justification to double the number of teams in the final tournament comparing 1982 to 2026. </p>



<p>Of course, the number of participants has very little to do with the number of nations. Rather, it is FIFA’s desire to “spread the wealth.” Or, for those who do not mind honesty, FIFA’s desire to make more money. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐀 at the 2026 World Cup? 👀🇮🇳<a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> <a href="https:\/\/t.co/f8wEJOYyd7">pic.twitter.com/f8wEJOYyd7</a></p>— GOAL India (@Goal_India) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/Goal_India/status/1605181710370426880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>In truth, it’s hard to see a negative in the expansion. The days of a 9-0 scoreline in World Cups are a thing of the past. May I remind you that Saudi Arabia defeated eventual winners Argentina at the beginning of the 2022 World Cup. And, certainly, the play of Morocco, which finished fourth, is more proof that participants outside of UEFA &amp; CONMEBOL can no longer be taken for granted. </p>



<p>Participation in future World Cups gives smaller soccer nations necessary experience to perform better as time runs.</p>



<h5>How does the tournament Work?</h5>



<p>As of now, FIFA have not confirmed the format of the 48-team tournament. Initially, FIFA set the Group Stage to have 16 groups of 3 teams. The top two teams advance from each group into a 32-team knockout round. </p>



<p>This is a bad idea. The tournament itself only sees a marginal increase in the number of matches given the increase in the number of teams. This format brings the total number of games from 64 to 80. Moreover, the number of matches any team plays to reach the final, seven, does not change.</p>



<p>Still, the major concerns of a three-team group stage go beyond this. Order of play gives select teams a major advantage over others. For example, one team may have rest days before a knockout stage. Another team knows what result it needs in the second group stage game while another team is helplessly watching.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">FIFA will reconsider and discuss the sixteen groups of three format proposed for the 2026 World Cup, following the success of the Qatar 2022 group stages. <a href="https:\/\/t.co/uN2FkSBF2u">pic.twitter.com/uN2FkSBF2u</a></p>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1603808650224713739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Overall, two matches to determine advancement is hard to justify. Fortunately, the third matchday at the 2022 World Cup <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/fifa-reconsiders-2026-world-cup-group-stage-formatting-20221216-WST-412555.html">swayed FIFA President Gianni Infantino away</a> from that. Drama prevailed as <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/south-korea-qualifies-for-knockout-round-in-frantic-finish-20221202-WST-410891.html">South Korea advanced over Uruguay</a>, and <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/germany-fly-home-early-after-crashing-out-of-world-cup-20221202-WST-410811.html">Germany succumbed to a group stage exit</a> despite winning. In both instances, the eliminated team won, but did not do enough because of <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/fifa-may-end-simultaneous-world-cup-group-stage-games-20221202-WST-410902.html">results in simultaneous games</a>. </p>



<p>If the 4-team per group is to be retained, it would mean 12 groups of 4 teams. In turn, the tournament needs eight of the 12 third-place teams to advance. The European Championship uses this format. This yields 104 total games for the 2026 World Cup. That is a huge increase from the 64 presently. Consequently, the tournament runs significantly longer than its current monthlong standing. </p>



<p>FIFA makes a decision in its Congress in 2023.</p>



<h5>The new era</h5>



<p>The number of participants aside, the 2026 World Cup will be the first World Cup held by 3 nations. A big change from Qatar where all but 1 stadium was within a 15-minute car ride. The World Cup venues in 2026 spread over four time zones and where a national team lands in the final group stage draw could make a big difference. </p>



<p>This tournament returns to the traditional timeline of summer. I was the first to protest playing the 2022 Qatar games in November/December. It went against all that I hold holy about club soccer. But, I have to admit that I was wrong. We got to see players at the peak of their conditioning. And I believe it very much showed in the final product. And when we return to league soccer in just a few days, nobody will complain about the month-long pause. Things will just pick up where they were left off and only extend seasons slightly into the month of June. </p>



<p>Come 2026, the vast geographical area the World Cup covers along with inevitable summer fatigue for players will likely only make us look back to 2022 nostalgically as one of the best World Cups in modern history – footnotes and all.</p>


The 2026 World Cup will be far from the norm we expect. Qatar 2022 showed differences, but a rise in the quantity of teams shakes it all up.

How World Cup 2026 will be different than previous World Cups

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<p>FIFA is once again considering changes to their World Cup tournaments.  The world’s governing body of the sport will expand the amount of participating teams to 48 ahead of the 2026 competition in North America.  This could change how the group stage is played out.</p>



<p><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/fifa-may-end-simultaneous-world-cup-group-stage-games-20221202-WST-410902.html">Reports</a> surfaced earlier in the month that suggested that FIFA would change the entire group stage format.  World Cups have consisted of four-team groups since the introduction of 32 teams in 1998.  Two of the four nations in each group advance to the knockout rounds in this current formula.  </p>



<p>The recent rumors suggested that FIFA would, however, opt to go with three-team groups for the next tournament.  This would essentially change the entire format of the group stage.  It would also most likely signify the end of simultaneous group stage matches as well.</p>



<h2>Infantino a fan of four-team groups</h2>



<p>Nevertheless, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has now claimed that the organization could abandon these plans.  Speaking during a press conference on Friday, Infantino raved about the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">2022 World Cup</a> in Qatar.  He also applauded the current group stage format.</p>



<p>“Here the groups of four have been absolutely incredible,” <a href="https:\/\/www.bbc.com/sport/football/63998821?at_medium=RSS&amp;at_campaign=KARANGA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> Infantino.  “Until the last minute of the last match you would not know who goes through.”</p>



<p>“We have to revisit or at least re-discuss the format.  This is something that will certainly be on the agenda in the next meeting.”</p>



<h2>FIFA boss says 2022 World Cup is “best ever”</h2>



<p>Along with praising the thrill of the four-team groups, Infantino also labeled the current World Cup the best of all-time.  “Thanks to everyone involved, Qatar, all the volunteers to make this the best World Cup ever,” said Infantino.</p>



<p>“It has been an incredible success, approaching five billion in terms of viewing figures.  The fans meeting the Arab world, it has been very important for the future of all of us.”</p>



<p>Although Infantino did <a href="https:\/\/www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-worldcup-fifa-infantino/infantino-says-2018-world-cup-is-the-best-ever-idUSKBN1K31IG" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">also call</a> the 2018 World Cup the greatest of all time, there is no doubting the excitement on the pitch during the 2022 version.  Soccer fans all over the world will hope that FIFA doesn’t tinker with the group stage format ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America.</p>



<p><em>Photo credit: IMAGO / ANP</em></p>


FIFA is reconsidering previous plans to reformat the World Cup group stage. The organization's president revealed on Friday that he prefers the current four-team format.

FIFA reconsiders 2026 World Cup group stage formatting - World Soccer Talk

FIFA reconsiders 2026 World Cup group stage formatting


<p>Gary Lineker has ruffled feathers once again after branding the USA “an extraordinarily racist country.” The <em>BBC</em> host previously upset <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">2022 World Cup</a> organizers by pointing out human rights issues in Qatar. FIFA, and the Middle Eastern nation, obviously didn’t much appreciate the strong words.</p>



<p>“We pointed facts out at the beginning of the tournament; those facts remain,” Lineker said in an interview with The News Agents. “So, lots of people were killed doing the stadiums. Yes, the stadiums are extraordinary, but at a great price. Homophobia is an issue here. Women’s rights are a little bit of an issue here.“</p>



<h2>Gary Lineker labels the USA “extraordinarily racist”</h2>



<p>After speaking about Qatar’s problems, Lineker then transitioned to the 2026 World Cup. The U.S., along with Canada and Mexico, will host the tournament in four years. “For me, it was always really more about the corruption side of it because, as I said previously, I think pretty much every country, including our own, has got issues,” Lineker continued. “And we’re off to America in four years’ time, with Canada and Mexico, but obviously America’s an extraordinarily racist country.“</p>



<p>“So, there’s always issues but it was more the fact that we just pointed out a few facts and particularly the aspect of it being so corrupt – they said it was going to be summer and it was in the winter. I don’t think anything’s particularly changed but it’s been a cracking tournament but that’s football; football is a wonderful sport.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“We’re off to America in four years time, an extraordinarily racist country.”<a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/GaryLineker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@garylineker</a> says the ‘corruption’ of the Qatari bid was his primary grievance, pointing out ‘every country, including our own, has got issues’ with regards to human rights.<br><br>Listen on <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/GlobalPlayer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@globalplayer</a>. <a href="https:\/\/t.co/7vPav69xof">pic.twitter.com/7vPav69xof</a></p>— The News Agents (@TheNewsAgents) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/TheNewsAgents/status/1602994147324936192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Lineker also claimed in the interview that Qatar officials failed to set up a meeting between the two sides. However, <em><a href="https:\/\/www.telegraph.co.uk/world-cup/2022/12/13/gary-lineker-reignites-row-bbc-qatar-calls-usa-extraordinarily/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Telegraph</a></em> has reportedly seen e-mails sent from organizers in Qatar to <em>BBC</em> and their presenters regarding a potential summit.</p>



<p>Three North American countries will share the 2026 World Cup as hosts. However, U.S. cities will make up 11 of the 16 venues for the tournament.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images</em></p>


BBC host Gary Lineker called the USA an extraordinarily racist country. The former player made the comments in reference to World Cup 2026.

BBC host Gary Lineker calls USA an extraordinarily racist country


<p>The United States Men’s National Team fizzled out its World Cup run at the hands of the Netherlands. The Dutch side may have had less possession and less shot attempts. However, it still looked far stronger than their American opposition. </p>



<p>A credit to the Dutch, Louis van Gaal came out and said the United States did not <a href="https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11499567/Louis-van-Gaal-says-USMNT-didnt-adapt-adjust-Hollands-tactics-targeting-wide-areas.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adapt or adjust</a>. Gregg Berhalter stuck to the same formula offensively and defensively with his young unit. And, despite a number of players plying their trade in Europe, Berhalter added he did not have a ‘Memphis Depay’ at his disposal. Memphis scored the opening goal, and Daley Blind mirrored his goal just before halftime.</p>



<p>It was always going to be a tough task to top the <em>Oranje</em>. Memphis Depay is a top talent when on his game. Virgil van Dijk remains one of the best defenders in the world. Frenkie de Jong is a gamechanger in the midfield for both club and country. </p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Netherlands vs. United States Highlights | 2022 FIFA World Cup | Round of 16" width="500" height="281" src="https:\/\/www.youtube.com/embed/7kH-EQbMprI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<p>Still, the elimination from the World Cup showed something else. It showed the necessity for the United States to play in elite competition. </p>



<p>That could be a USMNT entry into the UEFA Nations League or Copa America, as it has done on several occasions in the past. The opportunity for growth and experience is pivotal if this team wants to achieve its dreams of success it laid out.</p>



<h5>A need for top experience</h5>



<p>Mexico and Canada are good teams. Costa Rica is aging, but certainly provided a challenge to the United States over the last decade or so. Constant opposition against these CONCACAF sides did well to prop the United States into the best team in the continent. That is, at least, looking at the Gold Cup and CONCACAF Nations League.</p>



<p>What it did not do, however, is prepare the United States for significant and meaningful games against teams rife with world class talent. Whereas the Netherlands had ‘warmup’ games in the Nations League against Belgium, Poland and Wales, all World Cup teams, the United States played Nations League games in June against Grenada and El Salvador. Those two countries have a combined two World Cup appearances, and none in the last 40 years. </p>



<p>The Netherlands, in addition to being talented both on and off the field, must adapt to play different play styles with those opposition. Belgium, Poland and Wales are different teams that have players that can match up against the Dutch. For the United States, its talent simply outmatch both Grenada and El Salvador. That being said, Berhalter’s squad only drew with El Salvador, 1-1, with Jordan Morris salvaging a point in stoppage time. </p>



<h2>A USMNT appearance in the UEFA Nations League</h2>



<p>It may seem like a far-fetched idea to jump from CONCACAF to UEFA for the Nations League. To be fair, there has been no intercontinental jumping for the Nations League. The closest anything is to this outside of friendlies is the Finalissima, most recently contested between the Copa America winner, Argentina, and Euro 2020 champions Italy. </p>



<p>However, teams from South America may soon compete in the UEFA Nations League much for the same reason that the USA should. All 10 teams from CONMEBOL are considering <a href="https:\/\/www.skysports.com/football/news/12010/12498440/uefa-nations-league-south-american-teams-set-to-join-in-2024-after-talks-between-uefa-and-conmebol" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">joining the UEFA Nations League</a> from 2024 and on. To fit them in, the top-six teams in the World Cup Qualifying table would join League A, the top division. That means Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Peru and Colombia join League A. The other four teams would join League B.</p>



<p>All of the games would happen in Europe to limit the traveling required to South America.</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="How CONMEBOL countries joining the UEFA Nations League will shake out in 2024 | ESPN UK" width="500" height="281" src="https:\/\/www.youtube.com/embed/9bLPQazyGVg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<p>The reason CONMEBOL linked with UEFA is to present direct competition to <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/breaking-down-a-potential-biennial-world-cup-with-simon-evans-20211223-CMS-363295.html">FIFA’s plans for a biennial World Cup</a>. However, it also provides more interplay and practice between elite teams. Argentina and Brazil are surefire contenders at each World Cup. Yet, this gives teams like Ecuador, Peru or Chile more play against top European opposition on a regular basis.</p>



<h5>How the USMNT can fit in with top teams</h5>



<p>Just as we saw in the World Cup for USA versus Iran, the USMNT fielded a lineup that was all European-based for the first time in its history.</p>



<p>Having the vast majority of USMNT players play in Europe means that it makes more sense to have the national team play competitive games in Europe than the United States or South America. It’s less travel for the players, and it provides the United States with tough away tests against European competition.</p>



<p>We’ve seen how competitive the European teams get in the UEFA Nations League.</p>



<p>Plus looking at the last four World Cup tournaments, the winners have all been European teams. Facing European competition would be a sterner test for the United States. That experience is valuable.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hearing that there are no MLS players in the USMNT 🇺🇸 line up today…</p>— 🇺🇸Tactical Manager🇧🇷 (@ManagerTactical) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/ManagerTactical/status/1597640909478588416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Logistically speaking, it may be a stretch to see the USMNT compete in the UEFA Nations League. That being said, the inclusion of South American teams provides precedent. The unfortunate case for the United States is the missed opportunity to make a North and South American Nations League. Competing against Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and Uruguay would go a long way for the experience of an increasingly young USMNT side. </p>



<p>However, there is still a chance to compete in the Copa America, a South American tournament that often sends invitations to other teams. The United States played in four Copa America tournaments since 1993. In two of those, it got knocked out in the group stage. In the other two, it actually reached the semifinals, losing to Argentina and Brazil.</p>



<p>Moreover, it hosted the 2016 tournament when it lost to Argentina. The United States played Colombia, Costa Rica and Paraguay in the group stage, winning two and losing one. Then, the Stars and Stripes defeated Ecuador in the quarterfinals. The 2016 tournament was the only instance of the Copa America <em>not </em>happening in a CONMEBOL country.</p>



<p>Grant Wahl, a reporter covering the USMNT, says the United States “<a href="https:\/\/www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/usmnt-world-cup-mailbag-gregg-berhalter-fallout-a-plea-for-usa-in-copa-america-2026-expectations-more/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">absolutely has to play</a>” in the 2024 Copa America. Wahl even went so far as to say it should look into hosting the tournament. Wahl added that Ecuador, the intended host, lost interest in hosting the 2024 Copa America. It could set up an opportunity for the 2026 host cities.</p>



<p>On that topic, the 2026 World Cup means no World Cup qualifying games. Those were the best competitive games this batch of USMNT players had, as is the case for many teams. For example, Qatar did not play competitive games in the build up to hosting the World Cup. It is the first host nation to not pick up a point in the group stage, and just the second to not reach the knockout stage.</p>



<h5>Competitive games</h5>



<p>Whether those competitive games come from the Copa America or UEFA Nations League, they are paramount for the USMNT. Come 2026, expectations for the current squad will be higher. Not only will fans expect better quality, they will expect a better tournament. </p>



<p>If Gregg Berhalter remains the manager through then, he needs to try different tactics and player selections against top sides. He got it wrong against the Netherlands, but he will not be allowed to get it wrong as one of the three host nations. </p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Colorsport</em></p>


The USMNT crashed out of the World Cup due to a lack of experience, experience that can be earned through the UEFA Nations League or similar.

USMNT needs to play UEFA Nations League, not Copa America


<p>The <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">2022 World Cup</a> has already been filled with drama and unpredictable moments throughout the group stage. After all, tournament contenders Belgium, Germany, and Uruguay have all been knocked out of the competition. Underdogs like <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/south-korea-qualifies-for-knockout-round-in-frantic-finish-20221202-WST-410891.html">South Korea</a>, <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/japan-spain-survive-explosive-world-cup-group-germany-out-20221201-WST-410785.html">Japan</a>, and <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/morocco-advance-after-solid-win-against-canada-20221202-WST-410740.html">Morocco</a> have also thrillingly qualified for the knockout round.</p>



<p>One of the most exciting aspects of the World Cup is the last round of group stage matches. While the early games of the tournament are spaced out so that viewers can catch all of the games, the final matches of each group are played at the same time. This is done to ensure all teams play their best and do not manipulate matches.</p>



<h5>‘Disgrace of Gijón’ changed the rules</h5>



<p>The rule to play these games at the same time was put into place back in 1986. It was implemented after a match refereed to as the “<a href="https:\/\/theathletic.com/3643998/2022/11/15/west-germany-austria-disgrace-of-gijon-world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Disgrace of Gijón</a>” at the 1982 World Cup. West Germany beat Austria 1-0 in the game, but both teams qualified for the next stage. The fixture was the last to be played in the group and both teams knew exactly what was needed to advance.</p>



<p>West Germany quickly went up 1-0 in the match and then both teams finished the fixture in lackluster fashion. FIFA claimed that no laws were broken by either team, but rearranged game times for the following World Cup. </p>



<h2>No more simultaneous World Cup games, other changes</h2>



<p>It has been rumored that FIFA is toying with the idea to switch to groups of three teams for the 2026 World Cup. This would most likely signify the end of simultaneous group stage games. The move would open the door for defensive soccer and possibly match manipulation.</p>



<p>In 2022, the simultaneous games at the World Cup provided serious drama on the last matchday of the group stage.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The moment Luis Suárez saw that South Korea scored <a href="https:\/\/t.co/2rBRldpcMB">pic.twitter.com/2rBRldpcMB</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1598721463141425157?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>The next edition of the World Cup would also see 48 teams involved rather than 32. Under the new plan, FIFA would put three teams in 16 different groups, as opposed to the current format of eight groups of four teams.</p>



<p>Along with the disappointing group stage shakeup, FIFA could also include <a href="https:\/\/theathletic.com/3949146/2022/11/30/world-cup-group-shootouts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">penalty shootouts</a> for draws in the group stage as well. This would potentially give shootout winners an extra point in their group.</p>



<p>Soccer fans, however, will hope that the governing body of the sport has a change of heart of the decisions. The simultaneous final group stage games are chaotic and enthralling.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Sportimage</em></p>


Simultaneous World Cup group stage games could be coming to an end. FIFA is contemplating new format for the 2026 tournament.

FIFA may end simultaneous World Cup group stage games

<p>The USA mascot for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/2026-world-cup-cities-reveal-live-thread-20220616-CMS-390036.html">2026 World Cup</a> emerged today in early designs and logos. The tournament, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/07/03/who-should-host-the-world-cup-final-in-2026/">co-hosted</a> by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is the first tournament to involve three countries hosting games. It is just the second tournament to have more than one host. South Korea and Japan jointly hosted the 2002 World Cup.</p>



<p>Mascots are a <a href="https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/world-cup-mascots-in-history#:~:text=Mexico%201970%3A%20Juanito%20Following%20in,World%20Cup%20broadcast%20in%20colour." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mainstay of the World Cup</a>. In 2014, Brazil unveiled <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/world-cup-2014-fuleco-fifa-brazil-mascot-environment-goal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fuleco</a>, an armadillo. The leopard Zakumi showed up for the World Cup four years before then. Even Qatar 2022 has a mascot, <a href="https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/laeeb-is-revealed-as-qatars-fifa-world-cup-tm-mascot" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La’eeb</a>, but FIFA left interpretation over what the mascot is up to viewers and fans.</p>



<p>Now, there are early leaks over what the USA mascot is for the 2026 World Cup. There is also an indication over what Canada and Mexico have.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Leaked logo and mascot designs for the 2026 World Cup…are they really serious with that mascot for Mexico 🇲🇽 ? 🤦🏽 <br><br>What do you think of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USMNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USMNT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CANMNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CANMNT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElTri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElTri</a> looks? <a href="https://t.co/a5QZrUU4qg">pic.twitter.com/a5QZrUU4qg</a></p>— CABRA FC 🐐 (@cabrafutbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/cabrafutbol/status/1583571909626646529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Broken down, the United States is clearly Uncle Sam, the patriotic fictional hero of the country. Canada’s mascot is a moose, a fitting animal for the northern country. Mexico’s is a cactus. The cactus is certainly the most outlandish of the three shown above.</p>



<h2>USA mascot for 2026 World Cup</h2>



<p>Uncle Sam is a fitting mascot for the USA at the 2026 World Cup. Not only is Uncle Sam easily recognizable, but he is actually a human. It makes the ‘realism’ aspect more applicable, even if there is no precedent for realism when it comes to World Cup mascots. After all, the Qatar 2022 mascot resembles a ghost.</p>



<p>The Canadian mascot, a moose, is fairly standard when it comes to a World Cup. Generally, when an animal is involved, it is something that has a connection to the country itself. Russia had a wolf. France used its famous rooster in 1998. The first World Cup mascot was a lion when England hosted the World Cup in 1966. That fits, as England is, after all, the Three Lions. In this case, a moose might be one of the more fitting mascots of late.</p>



<p>Mexico is where things get interesting. Having hosted twice before, Mexico had some things to go off. In 1970, Mexico has a baby in a sombrero with the name Juanito. The sombrero is a staple of Mexican culture. Sombreros returned in 1986. However, the thing wearing the sombrero was a giant chili pepper. To be fair, the chili pepper, named Pique, resembled a human.</p>



<p>In 2026, the cactus also has human features. Arms, legs, a face and that reliable sombrero returns to the fold. However, with an eagle and a snake also prominently on the Mexican flag, those maybe could have fit in better with the theme.</p>

USA mascot for 2026 World Cup leaked

The mascot for the USA, Mexico and Canada World Cup in 2026 leaked, giving fans a first look at the characters for the World Cup.

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