HUGE change to qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is nice information for Graham Arnold’s Socceroos: Here is how they’ll make it to the 2026 match
- 2026 World Cup will characteristic 48 groups
- Enhance from 32 nations in Qatar final yr
- Means Socceroos ought to qualify comfortably
- Asian Soccer Confederation’s quota additionally elevated
- To be hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico
Graham Arnold’s Socceroos are firming to characteristic in a sixth consecutive World Cup following the announcement the following world match will characteristic 48 groups in 2026.
United States, Canada and Mexico will all co-host the following World Cup, with FIFA confirming a mammoth 104 matches might be staged.
The variety of teams will even improve from eight to 12.
In a major enhance for the Socceroos, Asia and Africa have been awarded extra of the additional locations than Europe.
The Asian Soccer Confederation’s quota —which incorporates Australia — will see eight groups qualify.
Graham Arnold’s Socceroos are firming to characteristic in a sixth consecutive World Cup following the announcement the following world match will characteristic 48 groups in 2026
Garang Kuol introduced himself to the soccer world in Qatar final yr aged simply 18
Three teams of six groups will contest the AFC’s third-round qualification course of — a rise from two teams of six nations between 2006 and 2022.
The highest two nations in every group will then seal their place within the world showpiece.
Moreover, the third and fourth-placed groups might be divided into two teams of three – with the winner of every qualifying and the second-placed sides squaring off to undergo to the intercontinental play-off.
The intercontinental play-off was how the Socceroos certified in 2005 (Uruguay), 2018 (Honduras) and 2022 on penalties (Peru).
The unique plan for the 2026 World Cup was 80 matches – however 104 fixtures was formally authorised by FIFA’s council at a gathering on Tuesday.
‘The FIFA Council unanimously authorised the proposed modification to the FIFA World Cup 2026 competitors format,’ FIFA mentioned in a press release.
‘The revised format mitigates the chance of collusion and ensures that each one the groups play a minimal of three matches, whereas offering balanced relaxation time between competing groups.’
Whoever wins the 2026 World Cup will have to be victorious in eight matches.
