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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Press Association

World Cup 2026 shake-up in doubt as FIFA chief admits ‘issues’ with three-team groups

Fifa World Cup Victor Montagliani Qatar

The format of the 2026 World Cup remains up for discussion after FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani accepted there were “issues” with an earlier proposal for three-team groups.

The finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be the first to feature 48 teams yet the excitement at the conclusion of the group stage at last year’s finals in Qatar, which featured eight groups of four, has given organisers food for thought.

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