2026 World Cup: Expanded format, high prices, and U.S. fan fervor
8 reported
According to a CBS Sports report, the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America featured an expanded 48-team format, record ticket prices, and a uniquely American spectacle. The tournament included moments like the U.S. men's national team's blowout of Paraguay at SoFi Stadium and Germany's 7-1 win over Curacao. Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha emerged as a standout, while Argentina's Lionel Messi and Spain's Luis de la Fuente reunited before the final. FIFA doubled group stage ticket prices from the previous tournament, yet stadiums remained full. The U.S. saw unprecedented viewership, with over 50 million people tuning in for the USMNT's 4-1 defeat to Belgium on July 6. The report notes that the expanded format had flaws, including confusing third-place advancement math and some dead-rubber group games, but was overall entertaining. Some soccer executives are already pushing for a 64-team World Cup in 2030.
What’s reported
The World Cup expanded to 48 teams for the first time.
Germany defeated Curacao 7-1 in Curacao's first World Cup game.
Cape Verde's Vozinha was a standout goalkeeper; he stated that opportunities to become a professional in Cape Verde are very small due to lack of facilities and coaching knowledge.
FIFA more than doubled group stage ticket prices from the previous tournament, with final tickets costing thousands for the worst seats.
Over 50 million people in the U.S. watched the USMNT's 4-1 loss to Belgium on July 6.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni and Spain counterpart Luis de la Fuente reunited before the final; de la Fuente was one of Scaloni's teachers during his coaching license pursuit.
The report describes the tournament as "unrivaled, unparalleled success" but notes it set "undesirable precedents."
Some soccer executives are already pushing for a 64-team World Cup for 2030.
Key figures
Lionel Scaloni, Argentina head coach
Luis de la Fuente, Spain head coach
Lionel Messi, Argentina player
Vozinha, Cape Verde goalkeeper
Kevin Hart, comedian
Novak Djokovic, tennis star
Tom Brady, Super Bowl winner
Owen Wilson, actor
Brenden Aaronson, U.S. player
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal player
Kylian Mbappe, France player
Brian Cipenga, DR Congo player
Sources: CBS Sports
