2026 FIFA World Cup expands to 48 teams with France and Brazil as top contenders
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Sixteen stadiums in the US alone will host matches, with all games broadcast exclusively on Match TV. The final 48 teams have now been confirmed for the tournament. Italy's absence from the competition marks one of the biggest surprises in qualifying. The four-time champions lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European playoffs, missing out on a second consecutive World Cup.
Mikhail Gershkovich, head of Russia's Association of Domestic Football Coaches and a former national team manager, shared his views on the tournament. He named France, Germany, Portugal, Brazil, and Argentina as the leading contenders. Despite the expansion to 48 teams, he believes the top favourites remain unchanged. Gershkovich also hinted at potential upsets once the knockout stages begin. His comments suggest that even with established powerhouses, the wider format could still deliver unexpected results.
The 2026 World Cup will feature more teams than ever before, but the usual heavyweights still dominate expectations. With Match TV securing exclusive rights, fans will have full access to every game. The tournament's expanded structure may yet create surprises as the competition unfolds.
