The Panini World Cup 2022 tournament will be the last with 32 teams, with the field expanding to 48 teams for the 2026 edition. This World Cup is being held in November and December to avoid the extremes of Qatars hot climate. It will be played in 29 days, with 64 matches taking place in eight venues across five cities. Except for Qatar, who became the first host to lose their opening game, set the record for the earliest a host was eliminated, and are the second host not to advance past the first stage, 31 teams qualified for participation.
