football world cup total matches

The Football World Cup is the most prestigious tournament in international football, organized by FIFA. The total number of matches played in each edition has varied over the years due to format changes and the number of participating teams.

In the inaugural 1930 World Cup, there were only 13 teams and 18 matches. As the tournament expanded, so did the number of matches. The 1998 World Cup introduced the 32-team format, resulting in 64 matches. This format continued until the 2022 tournament.

The upcoming 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams for the first time, with a total of 104 matches planned. This represents a significant increase from previous tournaments and will provide more opportunities for teams from around the world to participate.

The growth in total matches reflects the increasing global popularity of football and FIFA\“s efforts to make the World Cup more inclusive and representative of the worldwide football community.