48 teams, 104 games: Why World Cup 2026 will be unlike any other 

The 2026 World Cup is officially underway with 48 teams vying to take home football’s biggest prize. 

More countries than ever are taking part in the tournament, which promises to be unlike any other before for various reasons. Here are just some of the differences that this summer’s competition will provide compared with its previous editions… 

More opportunity for the minnows

The increased number of teams in the competition, a significant leap from 32 to 48, has given smaller nations who have never previously competed at World Cups the opportunity to make history. 

Curacao, Cape Verde, Haiti, Jordan and Panama are just some of the smaller footballing nations who will have the opportunity to compete on the global stage. Small footballing nations have of course qualified for the tournament previously, but this year will see more than ever compete. 

With the number of minnows competing, the potential for shocks and surprises increases. Could we see some of the larger nations fall into the trap of underestimating their weaker opponents? The odds might suggest that the chances of those listed above progressing are slim. Still, with 104 matches scheduled, the tournament offers a wide range of matches to follow, with live betting on sports events available through sportsbooks such as TitanPlay. 

New rules on display 

As is often the case at international tournaments, new rules and guidance for the referees will be implemented as FIFA tries to make the competition as enjoyable as possible on the pitch. 

This year’s competition will look to clamp down on time wasting and increase the speed of the game, with countdowns for goal-kicks and throw-ins, players having ten seconds to leave the field of play after being substituted off, and players needing to spend one minute off the pitch if the physio comes on to treat them, though that last rule does have some exceptions. 

Meanwhile, referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina has told coaches of the 48 World Cup teams that players will be stopped from going to the technical area when goalkeepers go down injured in an effort to stop the ‘goalkeeper time-outs’, which have proved very controversial. 

In, perhaps, worse news for fans, VAR’s use will be expanded to be able to check more situations, however. 

Young stars on show 

This summer’s tournament could well be a changing of the guard when it comes to the world’s top talents. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are surely competing in their last World Cup, and several of those looking to emulate the two greats will be taking part in their first. 

Lamine Yamal is among those who fall into that category, and how he fares in his first World Cup will be fascinating, as well as Erling Haaland, who will hope to lead Norway to success. 

Iconic players are often remembered for what they do at World Cups, and this is the first chance for many of the new generation to make their mark.