World Cup: 48 teams, format changes and FIFA's new rules | OneFootball

The 2026 World Cup kicks off this Thursday (11), bringing the biggest tournament in history

The 23rd World Cup begins this Thursday (11) in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, marking a historic record. For the first time, three countries are sharing hosting duties for the tournament, which features 48 national teams.

The 2026 World Cup will have 104 matches over 39 days, surpassing all figures from previous editions. As such, the teams are divided into 12 groups. The top two from each group and the eight best third-place teams will advance to an unprecedented stage, the round of 32.

WHAT IS THE WORLD CUP OPENING MATCH?

The opening match takes place this Thursday (11) between Mexico and South Africa at the Azteca Stadium. Kickoff is at 4 p.m. (Brasília time), with live broadcast on Globo and SBT on free-to-air TV.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHANGES TO THE WORLD CUP RULES?

FIFA is implementing strict changes to increase actual playing time at this World Cup. Throw-ins and goal kicks now have a five-second limit, under penalty of possession being reversed.

In addition, substitutions have a maximum time of ten seconds, and players who need medical treatment must wait 60 seconds off the pitch before returning.

VAR is also getting new functions and may correct errors involving corner kicks and second yellow cards. Furthermore, referees will issue a straight red card to anyone who covers their mouth during discussions or leaves the field in protest against official decisions.

HOW ARE THE TEAMS AND HOST CITIES DISTRIBUTED?

The tournament will use 16 host cities: 11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada. The final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Among the 48 teams, Brazil, Argentina, European powers such as France and Germany, as well as representatives from Asia, Africa, and Oceania, are all chasing the trophy.

WHAT ARE THE OPENING CEREMONY ATTRACTIONS?

The opening show at Azteca Stadium will feature Shakira, Burna Boy, and other names such as J Balvin. Meanwhile, Canada and the United States are also preparing their own events with artists such as Anitta, Alanis Morissette, and Michael Bublé. At the same time, the mood in Mexico is one of concern due to social protests by teachers and unions against the government, who have promised to march near the opening stadium.

CHECK OUT THE LIST OF PARTICIPATING TEAMS:

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.