PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - The FIFA World Cup is set for its biggest change in a generation . For the 2026 tournament, the number of teams will jump from 32 to 48, altering the competition's format and creating a new set of opportunities and challenges for the world of soccer.

This breakdown explains the new format, the arguments for and against the change and its impact on different regions.

How has the World Cup format changed over the years?

The 2026 World Cup will introduce a new format for just the fourth time in World Cup history .

From the tournament's inception in Uruguay in 1930 to the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, there were between 13-16 participant nations.

From Switzerland 1954 through Argentina 1978, there were 16 nations, and between 26 and 38 matches played.

In Spain's 198

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