![8+1: Breaking down how the Asian qualifiers will work for the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup in 2026 - ESPN 8+1: Breaking down how the Asian qualifiers will work for the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup in 2026 - ESPN](https://a4.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2022%2F0801%2Fr1042972_1296x729_16%2D9.png&w=570&h=321&format=jpg)
8+1: Breaking down how the Asian qualifiers will work for the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup in 2026 - ESPN
![An example of why the World Cup format (16 groups of 3 teams) in 2026 onwards is terrible. Teams will be inclined to play risk-averse and draw a lot. The final tiebreaker An example of why the World Cup format (16 groups of 3 teams) in 2026 onwards is terrible. Teams will be inclined to play risk-averse and draw a lot. The final tiebreaker](https://preview.redd.it/izc8hif08i371.png?auto=webp&s=59648ff3414a21b09d5c24bbaa6b33ca118932b5)
An example of why the World Cup format (16 groups of 3 teams) in 2026 onwards is terrible. Teams will be inclined to play risk-averse and draw a lot. The final tiebreaker
![World cup group stage 3 team - Football Manager Mobile General Discussion - Sports Interactive Community World cup group stage 3 team - Football Manager Mobile General Discussion - Sports Interactive Community](https://content.invisioncic.com/Msigames/monthly_2019_01/B829E41B-14A5-4CE7-A6E8-F00691062F37.png.1e5d7636159b12c1f1e36b771f39ec1d.png)
World cup group stage 3 team - Football Manager Mobile General Discussion - Sports Interactive Community
![Gianni Infantino: FIFA to launch new 32-team men's Club World Cup and will 'rediscuss' 2026 World Cup group stage format | Football News | Sky Sports Gianni Infantino: FIFA to launch new 32-team men's Club World Cup and will 'rediscuss' 2026 World Cup group stage format | Football News | Sky Sports](https://e0.365dm.com/22/11/2048x1152/skysports-infantno-world-cup_5971053.jpg)