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  • Sports - Football - Gossips
  • Updated: May 18, 2023

Infantino Unveils World Cup 2026 Emblem, To Be In Clusters Due To Travels

Infantino Unveils World Cup 2026 Emblem, To Be In Clusters D

Gianni Infantino

FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed on Wednesday that teams participating in the expanded 2026 World Cup, to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be grouped in regional clusters during the early rounds.

FIFA's announcement was made during a high-profile event held at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, where the official branding for the 2026 World Cup was unveiled.

World Cup Emblem

This measure aims to alleviate travel challenges presented by the vast scale of the tournament.

The upcoming World Cup will mark the first time in history that 48 teams will compete, a significant increase from the previous format of 32 teams. With three host countries spanning a continent, Infantino emphasized the importance of creating optimal conditions for players and fans.

Infantino explained, "The challenges will be the whole logistics around it. It's a continent - three countries and not three small countries either - three big countries.

The distances, the time zones, the climatic differences too – altitude in Mexico, sea level in other parts. So for us, it's important to create the right environment for the teams and the fans to be put in the best possible conditions."

To achieve this, teams will be assigned to specific clusters based on the tournament draw, allowing them to remain within a particular region for the early matches. This approach aims to minimize travel demands, particularly in the initial stages of the competition.

The decision to adopt regional clusters emerged after discussions among the 32 coaches who participated in the last World Cup, which took place in Qatar. Infantino cited the advantage of the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where players could rest in their beds just one hour after a game due to the compactness of the venues.

Although some travel will still be required in 2026, FIFA plans to coordinate it meticulously to ensure the best possible conditions for all participating teams.

In addition to addressing logistical concerns, Infantino expressed his hopes for the 2026 World Cup to leave a lasting legacy in North America. He aspires for soccer to become the leading sport in the region, building upon the success and impact of the 1994 tournament in the United States, which played a pivotal role in establishing Major League Soccer.

The gala occasion welcomed celebrities and former players, including Alexi Lalas, a prominent figure from the 1994 World Cup. Lalas echoed support for Infantino's decision to implement regional clusters, acknowledging the impact of long-distance travel and time-zone changes on players' performance.

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