The 2026 World Cup begins on June 11 in North America. For several weeks, the eyes of the football world will be on the United States, Canada and Mexico, host countries of this 23rd edition of the most prestigious tournament in world football.
48 teams, 1,248 players and 104 matches. This edition promises to be historic with a new format which sees the number of participating nations increase from 32 to 48. A reform which offers more opportunities to the selections of all the confederations, particularly African ones.
In total, ten African nations are taking part in the competition, compared to five in previous editions. This increase in the continental quota constitutes an important step forward for African football, which now benefits from reinforced representation on the world stage.
The increase in the number of participants constitutes one of the main innovations of this edition. With 48 teams entered, FIFA intends to offer more opportunities to the selections of all confederations.
Africa is among the major beneficiaries of this reform. Its quota increases from five to ten representatives, thus doubling its chances of being present on the world stage and competing with the best footballing nations.
The return of several selections
This World Cup is also marked by the return of several countries that have been absent for many years.
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Haiti mark their return after 52 years of absence. Their last participation dates back to the 1974 edition. Iraq returns to the competition after 40 years of waiting.
Scotland and Austria return to the world stage after 28 years of absence, while Turkey returns to the World Cup after 24 years.
Another major feature: the joint organization of the tournament by three countries. If Mexico had already hosted the World Cup twice, Canada is participating for the first time in hosting the event, alongside the United States.
This formula testifies to the scale of the competition and FIFA’s desire to broaden its influence.
Artificial intelligence at the service of arbitration
Technology also plays an important role in this edition. Among the innovations announced are the use of artificial intelligence and connected balls intended to provide more real-time data to referees.
The objective is to improve the precision of decisions and reduce errors during meetings.
If the 48 nations involved have the ambition to go as far as possible, only one will lift the trophy at the end of the 104 scheduled matches.
For certain selections, the objective will be to aim for the coronation. For others, this participation will above all be an opportunity to gain experience at the highest level and mark their return to the world stage.
