The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico will be the largest in history: 48 teams, 104 matches, 16 cities. But most importantly, FIFA has approved a number of new rules that will fundamentally change the game. They are designed to make football more exciting, fair, and dynamic. We tell you about all the innovations that fans will see.48 teams and a new playoff formatFor the first time in the history of the World Cup, 48 teams are participating. They are divided into 12 groups of 4 teams. 32 teams advance to the playoffs: 12 group winners, 12 teams that finished second, and 8 of the best third-place teams. This means that even a third-place finish in a group can lead to the round of 16. The selection system for third places: points, goal difference, goals scored, disciplinary points. This will keep the drama in the groups until the last minutes. From the round of 16, teams go by the Olympic system. There are a total of 32 playoff matches (16+8+4+2+2? no, let's count: 16 matches in the round of 16, 8 in the quarterfinals, 4 in the semi-finals, 2 in the finals and the third-place match, totaling 32). Players will play up to 8 matches if they reach the final (instead of 7 previously). This is a test of endurance.Seven substitutions and an expanded squadFIFA has increased the maximum number of substitutions from five to seven in the first half. Plus, there is an additional substitution in extra time. This means that a coach can use up to eight substitutions per match. The squad has also been expanded: now it includes 26 players (previously 23). However, there are 15 outfield players and 2 goalkeepers on the bench. This allows coaches to rotate the lineup more actively, considering the tight schedule. Also, substitutions are allowed in three windows plus in the break, as before, but with an increased number.Offside: the Wenger ruleThe so-called "Wenger rule" (named after ex-coach Arsene Wenger, now the head of global football development at FIFA) has been ad ... Read more