FIFA Confirms Four-Team Group Stage for 2026 World Cup, Expanding Matches to 104

FIFA has reversed its earlier decision, confirming a return to the traditional four-team group stage format for the expanded 2026 World Cup. This change will increase the total number of tournament matches from 80 to 104 and introduce a new round-of-32 stage. The decision impacts the tournament's structure, logistics, and broadcast schedule significantly.