SRINAGAR: The much-awaited FIFA World Cup 2026 gets underway on Thursday across the United States, Canada and Mexico, marking the largest edition in the tournament’s history with 48 teams competing for football’s most prestigious trophy.The expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature a record 104 matches, including 72 group-stage games and 32 knockout fixtures, making it the biggest football event ever organised by FIFA.As host nations, the USA, Canada and Mexico secured automatic qualification, while the remaining teams earned their spots through an extensive qualification campaign spanning nearly two years.Under the new FIFA World Cup format, the 48 teams have been divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed sides, will advance to the knockout stage, creating a 32-team Round of 32 for the first time in World Cup history.FIFA believes the expanded tournament will boost global football participation, provide more nations with an opportunity to compete on the world stage and further increase the tournament’s global appeal.The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final is scheduled for July 19, bringing the curtain down on the first-ever World Cup jointly hosted by three countries and the largest tournament in football history.
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