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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
John Cross

World Cup U-turn and gruelling international break plan sparks new player burnout fear

Fifa World Cup Gianni Infantino Maheta Molango PFA EPL

FIFA has done a U-turn and gone back to having Groups of four teams at the next World Cup.

Football’s world governing body also unveiled a new-look match calendar - but that came with a warning from the players’ union about burnout.

The 2026 World Cup in United States, Mexico and Canada was due to feature 16 groups of three because the number of teams is increasing from 32 to 48.

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