FIFA had previously indicated that the 2026 finals, which will expand to 48 teams from 32, would see countries divided into 16 groups of three during the first round.
Under that format, the top two teams in
each group would advance to a 32-team knockout tournament.
However, FIFA president Infantino said the
thrilling success of the existing first-round format at the Qatar World Cup --
where teams were divided into traditional groups of four -- had prompted a
rethink.
Several groups in Qatar went down to the
wire, with qualification hanging in the balance until the final whistle.
"The groups of four have been
absolutely incredible until the last minute of the last match," Infantino
told a press conference in Doha.
"We have to revisit or at least
rediscuss the format, whether it's 16 groups of three or 12 groups of four.
This is something that will be on the agenda in the next few weeks."
Infantino added that the World Cup format
for 2026 could be modelled along the lines of the European Championship, which
has six groups of four, with the four best third-placed teams also advancing to
the knockout rounds.
The 2026 World Cup is being co-hosted by
the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Infantino said the enlarged competition
would lead to a financial bonanza for FIFA.
Revenues in the four-year cycle leading up
to 2026 are projected to increase to $11 billion -- up from $7.5 billion in the
cycle ending in 2022.
Asked to explain the huge projected
increase in revenues, Infantino cited the expanded number of teams, existing
stadium infrastructure and the size of the North American market.
"We are bullish about the power of
football," Infantino said. "We are convinced the impact of the game
will be massive.
"It has been massive here and it will
be incredible in North America. Three huge countries, 48 teams.
"More games, revenues will go up in
terms of broadcasting, in terms of sponsorship, hospitality.
"We will play in huge stadiums used
for American football, 80-90,000 capacity. We are expecting 5.5 million fans
travelling for these events."
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