Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

48-Team World Cup Sets African Record, Mexico First

6/28/2026

50 8

Summary

Story summary

The 48-team expansion produced a record nine African qualifiers and gave seven nations their first knockout-stage appearance.
The group stage ended with thirty-two teams advancing to the round of 32.
Mexico was the first team to secure a round-of-32 berth by winning its group, followed by the United States, Argentina and Germany.
Belgium will meet Senegal in Seattle.
England topped Group L and will face 46th-ranked DR Congo in Atlanta.

History

Historical Context

FIFA’s 1998 World Cup in France expanded the finals to 32 teams and raised Africa’s quota from three to five slots, letting Nigeria and South Africa qualify. Held 10 June–12 July, the tournament set a model for the 2026 expansion to 48 teams, which will increase African representation, widening talent pools and commercial reach.

1 of 2

Story summary

The 48-team expansion produced a record nine African qualifiers and gave seven nations their first knockout-stage appearance.
The group stage ended with thirty-two teams advancing to the round of 32.
Mexico was the first team to secure a round-of-32 berth by winning its group, followed by the United States, Argentina and Germany.
Belgium will meet Senegal in Seattle.
England topped Group L and will face 46th-ranked DR Congo in Atlanta.

1 / 2