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The Evolution of the FIFA World Cup: From 13 Teams to 48

KVIA•Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM•CNN Newsource

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The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark a historic milestone as it expands to 48 teams, a significant increase from the original 13 teams that participated in the inaugural tournament in 1930. Held entirely in Montevideo, Uruguay, the first World Cup faced numerous challenges, including travel difficulties and the reluctance of clubs to release players. Over the decades, the tournament has evolved dramatically, introducing innovations such as group stages, television broadcasts, and a growing number of participating nations. This year's event will be the first to feature games across three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico, highlighting the global reach and popularity of soccer today.

Key Details: • 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, a first in history. • The inaugural tournament in 1930 had only 13 teams and was held in Montevideo, Uruguay. • The 2026 event will take place across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. • The first World Cup introduced several challenges, including travel and player availability.

sports history world-cup soccer fifa

People & Organizations

MexicoCanadaUnited StatesFIFAUruguayMontevideoJules Rimet

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