From 13 to 32 (and Beyond): The Expanding World Cup Format Explained
The World Cup has grown from a small invitational event into a global phenomenon uniting nations, cultures, and billions of fans. The World Cup format expansion mirrors football’s evolution—from 13 teams in 1930 to 48 in 2026. Each expansion reflected not only sport’s global reach but also politics, economics, and the unstoppable rise of football […]
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