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This content was machine-translated from the French version.
The 2026 World Cup, with nine years to go until kick-off, marks a major milestone in the history of this phenomenal tournament. Co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the 2026 tournament is set to be one of the most ambitious ever, with a record 48 teams competing in a record 104 matches. Among the many changes, the move to the quarter-final stage, with a revised format, is attracting particular attention from fans. This knockout stage, traditionally reserved for eight teams, will include an extra round due to the increase in the number of participating teams.
The revised competition format, introduced by FIFA, involves a 48-team tournament, divided into 16 groups of three teams each. The top two teams from each group – 32 teams in total – qualify for the round of 16, whilst the four best third-placed teams also gain direct entry to this round. This system, designed to balance the growing number of teams and reduce the number of matches per team, subtly alters the strategic balance. The quarter-finals will therefore see eight teams from this round of 16 face off, marking the transition to a more selective phase where every defeat comes at a high cost.
The revised competition format, introduced by FIFA, involves a 48-team tournament, divided into 16 groups of three teams each.
The United States, as the host nation, intends to capitalise on this new format to strengthen its squad of players competing in national and international leagues. Its involvement in logistics, infrastructure and the development of local talent could also influence the dynamics of the matches. The quarter-finals, traditionally tight and dramatic encounters, are set to take on global significance, with the qualifying teams needing to cement their progress by overcoming increasing technical and psychological challenges. Will the traditional clubs, such as those from Europe or South America, be able to adapt to a knockout stage characterised by heightened intensity?
For African teams – with Morocco among the historical favourites – the 2026 tournament represents a unique opportunity to reach new heights. The expanded format could favour lesser-known but well-organised sides, whilst offering key players more playing time. The quarter-finals, therefore, will need to be won not only through individual quality, but also through collective solidarity and adaptability in the face of a variety of opponents. The exact dates of the matches are yet to be confirmed, but they will be spread over several days, allowing teams to focus on their physical and mental fitness.
All in all, the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup promise to be a blend of tradition and innovation, with every match serving as a test of endurance. Football fans around the world can look forward to moments of tension, spectacular goals and unexpected twists, whilst discovering new standout figures in a tournament undergoing significant change.
