A 48 team World Cup in 2026 - How has the World Cup format changed since 1930?

Argentina v West Germany 1986

1986- MEXICO - 24 TEAMS - 52 MATCHES:

The 1986 World Cup in Mexico made famous for Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal saw FIFA revert to a more traditional World Cup format. The second stage was soon eliminated, instead opting for the knockout format.

24 teams meant that six groups featured again, with the top two from each group proceeded through to the Round of 16 knockout stage. The four best third-placed finishers also qualified to the knockout stage to make up the numbers for the Round of 16 to take place. These were determined first through points, then through goal difference for those who finished on the same points.