The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off this summer with 48 men’s national teams — the largest field the tournament has ever fielded. That’s up from 32 teams in previous editions, a format change FIFA approved years ago that reshaped qualifying competitions across every confederation.
The expanded field
With 48 nations in the draw, the group stage alone will run longer than past tournaments. More matches, more nations, more scheduling complexity. The bracket expansion means several countries that had never qualified before — or hadn’t in decades — are in the mix this time.
NPR reported the basics Tuesday, June 10, noting the tournament is the biggest in World Cup history by team count. The outlet didn’t specify a broadcast schedule or a full list of qualifying nations in its initial coverage.
Where to watch and what the full schedule looks like haven’t been detailed in early reports. Those specifics are still coming.
Originally reported by NPR. Read the original report.
