Expanded 2026 World Cup to feature 48 teams and new last-32 stageJamie Gardner, PA Chief Sports ReporterThe 2026 World Cup will feature 12 four-team groups and a last-32 knockout round for the first time. Chelsea and Real Madrid have secured places at Fifa's new-look, 32-team Club World Cup in 2025 after that competition’s access list was also approved by the Council. Europe’s other eight spots in the new Club World Cup will be awarded on a club ranking system over the four-year period leading into the finals. Chelsea have a guaranteed place in Fifa's 32-team Club World Cup in 2025 thanks to their 2021 Champions League win (Adam Davy/PA). “The expanded World Cup format being announced for 2026 means that, yet again, more games are being forced into an already overcrowded schedule.

Source: Irish Independent March 14, 2023 20:59 UTC