The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will introduce several major changes. For the first time, the tournament will feature 48 teams, expanded from 32. The group stage will consist of 16 groups of three teams each, with the top two from each group advancing to a new round of 32, known as the round of 32 (or 16th finals).
FIFA has confirmed the use of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) to assist referees, building on its successful trial at the 2022 World Cup. This system uses 12 tracking cameras and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor in the ball to provide faster, more accurate offside decisions. Additionally, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will continue, with enhanced communication protocols to reduce delays.
Other rule changes include a stricter enforcement of added time to account for stoppages, as seen in recent tournaments. The match schedule will also be adjusted to accommodate the larger number of games, with the final set to be played on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
