How the 2026 expanded format is changing the way teams play

The expansion to 48 teams and the new group structure hasn't just changed who plays at the World Cup — it's changed how they play. With the top 2 teams plus the 8 best third-placed teams advancing from each group, finishing third is no longer elimination. This safety net has fundamentally altered tactical calculations.

In the old 32-team format, every group game was potentially decisive, which often made teams cautious and defensive. In 2026, some managers have taken more risks in the group stage, playing attacking football knowing that even a third-place finish could be enough. Australia's 2-0 upset of Turkey was partly fueled by this fearless approach — they had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

However, the flip side is that the new Round of 32 means an extra knockout game before the quarterfinals, so smart managers are also thinking about squad rotation and energy conservation. The 39-day tournament length means fitness and depth are more important than ever — the days of relying on the same 11 players for every match are over.