Dizzy28 wrote:Isn't it the same 7 matches to the final even with 48 teams??
pugboy wrote:this might be the last wc with quality games from start to final
with 48 teams its gonna be watered down and drawn out
Comparison and analysis of 48 team World Cup FormatsHere is a comparison of just about every format that has been thought of for the 2026 World Cup which will feature 48 teams.
But first to start off we will look at the 32 team World Cup to analyse why it is the pinnacle of all formats. This is our basis to work from to pick the three best 48 team formats.
The 32 team format has basically all Good parts to the format:
- Minimum 3 matches per team
- Maximum 7 matches per team
- Number of matches (64) in total is reasonable
- Can be played in a reasonable amount of days (28-33)
- Minimal or no risk of collusion
- No byes for teams
- Mathematically works
So let’s look at the 48 team formats:
A) **Format:** 32 team play-in then 8 groups of 4 then Knockout (16,8,4,2)
*Qualify to Knockout:* Top two
*Minimum Matches per team:* Some 1, others 3
*Matches:* 80
*Maximum Matches per team:* 7-8
*Days:* 30-35
**The Good:** After the play-in matches, is exactly the same as the 32 team format
**The Okay:** Should a play-in team make the Final, they will play 8 matches
**The Bad:** 16 teams will only play 1 match
B) **Format:** 16 groups of 3 then Knockout (16,8,4,2)
*Qualify to Knockout:* Top only
*Minimum Matches per team:* 2
*Matches:* 64
*Maximum Matches per team:* 6
*Days:* 28-33
**The Good:** Similar to the 32 team parameters. Collusion not possible
**The Okay:** Some teams will only play 2 matches. One team will rest when the other two teams play.
C) **Format:** 16 groups of 3 then Knockout (32,16,8,4,2)
*Qualify to Knockout:* Top two
*Minimum Matches per team:* 2
*Matches:* 80
*Maximum Matches per team:* 7
*Days:* 32-37
**The Good:** Similar to the 32 team parameters
**The Okay:** Some teams will only play 2 matches. One team will rest when the other two teams play
**The Bad:** Collusion is possible. FIFA has this as their current option.
D) **Format:** 12 groups of 4 then Knockout (16,8,4,2)
*Qualify to Knockout:* Top only plus 4 best runner ups
*Minimum Matches per team:* 3
*Matches:* 88
*Maximum Matches per team:* 7
*Days:* 28-34
**The Good:** Similar to the 32 team parameters
**The Okay:** How do you decide which top teams play the runner ups fairly, though FIFA has used this system before
E) **Format:** 12 groups of 4 then Knockout (24) then 2nd group stage (4 groups of 3) then Knockout (4,2)
*Qualify to Knockout:* Top two
*Minimum Matches per team:* 3
*Matches:* 100
*Maximum Matches per team:* 8
*Days:* 33
**The Good:** Every team plays a minimum of 3 matches and the tournament can be completed by within a reasonable time. Fair way to group Round of 24 winners. Collusion not possible
**The Okay:** Total number of matches and Semi Finalists will play 8 matches. One team will rest when the other two play in the second group stage.
F) **Format:** 12 groups of 4 then Knockout (32,16,8,4,2)
*Qualify to Knockout:* Top two plus 8 best third place
*Minimum Matches per team:* 3
*Matches:* 104
*Maximum Matches per team:* 8
*Days:* 32-38
**The Good:** Each team plays a minimum 3 matches, and tournament can be completed by within a respectable time
**The Okay:** How do you decide which top teams play the third place teams fairly. Like above FIFA has done this before. Is 104 matches too much. The semi finalists play 8 matches. One of the formats FIFA is considering.
G) **Format:** 6 groups of 4 then Knockouts (16,8,4,2,1) each side
*Qualify to Knockout:* Top two plus 4 best third place each side
*Minimum Matches per team:* 3
*Matches:* 104
*Maximum Matches per team:* 8
*Days:* 32-38
Same as above except Finalists play 8 games. One of the formats FIFA is considering.
H) **Format:** 8 groups of 6 then Knockouts (8,4,2)
*Qualify to Knockout:* Top only
*Minimum Matches per team:* 5
*Matches:* 128
*Maximum Matches per team:* 8
*Days:* 32
**The Good:** Each team plays a minimum of 5 matches. The tournament can be completed within a respectable time
**The Okay:** The Semi finalists play 8 matches mainly due to 5 group games
**The Bad:** Too many matches in total and many dead rubbers are a big concern.
I) **Format:** 8 groups of 6 then Knockouts (16,8,4,2)
*Qualify to Knockout:* Top two
*Minimum Matches per team:* 5
*Matches:* 136
*Maximum Matches per team:* 9
*Days:* 36
**The Good:** Similar to above
**The Bad:** Similar to above and the Semi Finalists play 9 matches
J) **Format:** 8 groups of 6 then Knockouts (24 (top team rests, 2nd vs 3rd playoff),16,8,4,2)
*Qualify to Knockout:* Top three
*Minimum Matches per team:* 5
*Matches:* 144
*Maximum Matches per team:* 9-10
*Days:* 38-40
**The Good:** Every team plays 5 matches
**The Bad:** Everything else
K) **Format:** 8 groups of 6 then Knockouts (32,16,8,4,2)
*Qualify to Knockout:* Top four
*Minimum Matches per team:* 5
*Matches:* 152
*Maximum Matches per team:* 10
*Days:* 40
Same as above
#**The verdict**
After reviewing the formats here are the three best 48 team formats
#**3rd**
**B) 16 groups of 3 then Knockout (16 teams)**
The difference from the 32 team format, is groups of 3, and minimum and maximum number of matches respectively per team is 2 and 6 instead of 3 and 7. Mathematically works and only top team advances meaning collusion is not possible. Loses the drama of simultaneous matches and teams will have a bye
#**2nd (three way tie)**
**E) 12 groups of 4 then Knockout (24 teams)**
**F) 12 groups of 4 then Knockout (32 teams)**
**G) 6 groups of 4 then Knockout (16 teams) x 2**
All these formats retain the groups of four allowing for simultaneous matches on third match day. Just over 100 matches for each, perhaps a little too much? All Semi-Finalists play 8 games. 3rd place teams can advance in two of the formats where as the other one has top two but with a second group stage twist.
The winner**D) 12 groups of 4 then knockout (16 teams)**
24 more games than the 32 team format. Retains the groups of 4 and allows for simultaneous matches on third match day for the drama. As only the 4 best runner ups qualify for the knockouts, winning matches is vital. Could lead to more attacking play.
