A decision to switch the expanded 48-team World Cup in 2026 back to four-team groups is set to be made later this month.
A decision to switch the 2026 World Cup format back to four-team groups could be confirmed later this month.
BBC Sport understands there is agreement among all parties that the four-team format should be retained, providing it does not extend the 'footprint' of the competition - which includes preparation time as well as the tournament itself. While the tournament would have to take place over a longer period, it is felt cutting preparation for teams - from nearly three weeks before Russia 2018, although not quite as drastically as the week they had before Qatar 2022 - would mean players were not on duty for a greater length of time.
"Teams will play in pods. There will be a group playing out of Boston, Philadelphia and New York. Another one in Vancouver and Seattle and another in LA and San Francisco.Analysis - Fifa unable to balance environmental concerns with expansion goalsThis is a question of priorities for Fifa. Money v football v environment, and it seems very hard to find a way to satisfy all three.
To move to three-team groups is unthinkable to many football fans as it would affect the integrity of the tournament, and some reports even suggested penalty shootouts might be needed before kick-off.
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