The 2026 World Cup will have 104 matches instead of the traditional 64 games due to the expanded format with 48 teams taking part, Fifa said on Tuesday.

The 2026 edition, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be the first edition of the quadrennial tournament where 48 teams are taking part.

“The Fifa Council unanimously approved the proposed amendment to the Fifa World Cup 2026 competition format from 16 groups of three to 12 groups of four with the top two and eight best third-placed teams progressing to a round of 32,” Fifa said.

The tournament has had 32 teams since the 1998 edition, with eight groups of four and the finalists playing seven games each. But teams reaching the summit clash in 2026 will now play eight matches in total.

The original plan for the 2026 edition had a total of 80 matches but the decision to increase the number of games to 104 was approved by Fifa’scouncil at a meeting on Tuesday.

Morata nets the winner

_Girona: A last-gasp goal by Alvaro Morata stretched Atletico Madrid’s unbeaten La Liga run to nine matches as they beat Girona 1-0 on Monday to strengthen their grip on third place in the standings. Atletico moved to 48 points after seizing their opportunity to move three points clear of Real Sociedad in the race to finish third after the Basque side drew 1-1 with Mallorca on Sunday.

Milan held

A second-half goal by Salernitana forward Boulaye Dia cancelled out Olivier Giroud’sopening header as champions AC Milan were held to a 1-1 home draw in Serie A on Monday, making it their third winless outing in a row in all competitions. Milan are fourth in the standings on 48 points.

Reuters