A century of growth
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, the largest number ever, drawing participants from Africa, Europe, South America, Asia, and North and Central America.
This expansion is the latest in a series of format shifts since the inaugural tournament in 1930, when just 13 teams competed in Uruguay.
Historic debuts
Four nations will make their debut in the tournament, adding fresh narratives to a competition that has long served as a stage for emerging football powers.
The 2026 edition will therefore represent the biggest change to date, increasing the field from 32 to 48 teams after a progression that saw 16 teams in the 1930s, 24 teams from 1982 to 1994, and 32 teams from 1998 through 2022.