The 2026 World Cup is just a matter of days away, with football fans gearing up for one of the biggest events on the sporting calendar.
There isn’t long to wait now before the eagerly anticipated tournament gets under way in North America, with all participating teams desperate to lift the trophy on 19th July.
As always, there is plenty to look forward to and keep an eye out for this summer. As well as the usual things, though, there are lots of new ones to be aware of.
So, what is new for the 2026 World Cup? Read on to find out more…
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48 nations
The World Cup format has expanded for the first time since 1998, when 24 teams became 32. This year, 48 nations – split across 12 groups – will be competing for the ultimate prize in football.
The round-of-32
More nations means more matches, with 64 games becoming 104. As a result, an additional knockout round is required, so we will see the last-32 played for the first time at the finals.
Three host nations
Japan and South Korea made history in 2002 when they became the first pair of nations to co-host a World Cup finals. Fast forward 24 years, though, and we are set to see three co-hosting countries for the first time, with USA, Canada and Mexico set to welcome the world’s top stars.
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Debut patches
Players playing in their first World Cups will wear special patches to mark their first appearances at the finals. Scotland’s return means Scott McTominay and Andrew Robertson will have the same treatment. The same can be said for Turkey’s Arda Guler, Kenan Yildiz and Hakan Calhanoglu. Among the likes of Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal.
New nations
That was just the players, though. As well as them, four countries are making their debuts at the World Cup finals – in Cape Verde, Jordan, Uzbekistan and Curacao. Qatar have also qualified for the first time, having appeared four years ago as the host nation.
Half-time show
One of the things that makes the Super Bowl one of the world’s greatest sporting spectacles is the half-time show. For the first time in 2026, we will see the same in the World Cup final – although the identity of the performer remains to be seen.
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Dynamic ticket pricing
A huge topic of controversy, tickets initially ranged from $60 for group-stage matches to $6,730 for the final. However, FIFA confirmed last year that dynamic ticket pricing would be utilised, following their trial at the 2025 Club World Cup.
Kitted out
Not every former World Cup winner will be present at this year’s World Cup, with four-time champions Italy the notable exception. However, the eight that are there will do so while wearing kits designed by either Nike or Adidas – marking the first time they have kitted out every winner at the finals.
Referee view 2.0
Premier League fans have become accustomed to seeing the view of the referee during matches this season, providing a different insight and alternative angle. We will also see it on display at the 2026 World Cup.
VAR checks on correctly-awarded corner kicks
There are more interesting referee changes, though. One of the biggest comes for when goals are scored from corners. They can now be ruled off if it is later deemed that the corner kick was incorrectly awarded.
Set-piece tussles
Sticking with corners, and other set-pieces, teams can now be punished for fouls deemed to have happened before a ball is officially in play.
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VAR checks on second yellows
When players are sent off for two yellow cards, the second is now able to be checked by VAR. Unfortunately, the first yellow card is still not checked.
Substitution changes
In a bid to cut down on timewasting, players who take more than 10 seconds to leave the pitch after being substituted will see their team punished. The player replacing them will have to wait one minute before coming on, meaning their team will be down to 10 temporarily.
Extending timewasting countdowns
Referees have already implemented eight-second countdowns for goalkeepers to release the ball when it is in play. But they will now give players five seconds to get the ball back into play, whether from a goal kick or throw-in.
No tactical timeouts
Perhaps the biggest non-VAR change is that of tactical timeouts. Goalkeepers have been going down with increasing frequency, potentially feigning injuries. It gave time for managers to offer instructions to their players, without punishment as goalkeepers don’t have to leave the pitch following treatment. But if a goalkeeper does need treatment now, teammates are not allowed to go to the touchline to receive instructions.
AI-Enabled 3D Player Avatars
A total of 1,248 players will be on display at the 2026 World Cup. For the first time, each of them will be scanned to create a “digital twin” of their body, which will facilitate more accurate and realistic semi-automated offside decision visualisations.
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