The new version of the World Cup takes shape: 12 groups of 4, a different distribution between the continents and… 40 more matches

It has already been acquired since 2017: there will be 48 nations participating in the next World Cup against 32 in the previous editions. An increased number that forces FIFA to completely review the way the competition will take place.

Basically, FIFA has planned to split the 48 teams into 16 groups of 3, with the top two from each group qualifying for the knockout stage which will begin with the round of 16. But for several weeks some sources have been talking about a turnaround within FIFA.

In its edition this Tuesday, the Gazzetta dello Sport anticipates the details of the new format for the next World Cup. The 48 teams would then be divided into 12 groups of 4. The group stage would therefore take place in the same way as in previous editions, with a series of matches at a fast pace. As is already the case, the top two in each group would automatically qualify for the knockout stage. The 8 best third-placed players (out of 12 groups) would also qualify. Of this first stage with 72 matches in all, only 16 of the 48 teams would be eliminated.

For the remaining 32 teams, the knockout stage should start with the round of 32 for a more traditional format leading up to the final. All for a total of 104 matches against 64 in recent years.

A different distribution

La Gazzetta dello Sport also reveals the distribution of countries by continent, which changes as the number of teams increases. Thus Europe will be able to count on 16 representatives in the future against the current 13. Africa would go from a minimum of 5 to 9 representatives, Asia would be entitled to 8 participants, 6 for North America and South America and Oceania would also have a minimum of one representative at the World Cup (not counting Australia which is competing in the Asian Qualifiers).

Finally, the last two places would be awarded by the intercontinental play-offs involving nations from all continents, except Europe.

Even the detail of the format of the European qualifiers for the next World Cup, which will start in 2025, has already been explained by the Italian newspaper. There would then be 12 qualifying rounds (4 groups of 4, with the Nations League finalists seeded, and 8 groups of 5) into which the 54 nations (excluding Russia) will be divided. The top 12 in the group would qualify directly for the World Cup. The eight best runners-up should fight in the playoffs for the final four qualifying spots.