Vyacheslav Koloskov, who serves as the Honorary President of the Russian Football Union, expressed a clear, critical view about the decision to expand the FIFA World Cup from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 edition. He told Sports Express that the move should be viewed with suspicion and concern as it shifts the focus away from the core elements of football. He argued that the expansion may compromise the quality of competition and could place an unnecessary burden on players, teams, and national associations alike. According to him, the emphasis seems to tilt toward profit rather than the sport itself, and this concern weighs heavily on those who dedicate their lives to football in every corner of the world.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be staged across three host nations: Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This arrangement marks a new chapter in the history of the event, with Mexico having previously hosted the tournament on two occasions, in 1970 and 1986. In contrast, Canada will participate in its very first World Cup tournament, bringing a fresh footballing experience to cities like Vancouver and Toronto where fixtures will be contested. The United States will host a substantial portion of the matches, reinforcing the country’s growing role on the world stage in football as well as in other major global sporting events.
A significant structural change accompanies the 2026 World Cup. For the first time, the tournament will feature 48 national teams, a notable expansion from the traditional 32 teams that have defined modern World Cup play since its inception. This increase will drive a higher total number of matches, with the schedule featuring an even greater variety of group stage and knockout stage encounters. The broader field means more nations will have the chance to showcase their talents on football’s biggest stage, while also presenting challenges in terms of logistics, competition balance, and player welfare that organizers say must be managed carefully to preserve the event’s integrity.
As of now, the reigning world champions are the Argentine national team, a squad recognized for its rich footballing tradition, technical flair, and a history of triumph on the sport’s most prestigious stage. The achievement near the start of a new World Cup cycle continues to influence the expectations of fans around the globe as teams prepare to contend for the crown once again. The success of Argentina, with its blend of seasoned veterans and outstanding young players, serves as a benchmark for others seeking to reach the pinnacle of international football.
Regarding the venue and scheduling details for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it has been established that the tournament will unfold across multiple venues within the three host countries. The geographic spread reflects a deliberate approach to reach diverse football markets while leveraging existing stadium infrastructure, local enthusiasm, and the logistical capabilities of the organizing committees. The exact match allocations, kickoff times, and group-phase pairings are part of a comprehensive planning process that continues to evolve as the event approaches. Stakeholders in Canada, the United States, and Mexico anticipate a summer tournament that unites fans across continents, fosters competitive play at the highest level, and introduces new opportunities for players to compete at the world stage on an expanded stage.