India, June 10 -- The FIFA World Cup returns in an expanded format, with 48 teams embarking on a month-long journey, fighting for the ultimate prize. Divided into 12 groups, each side will play three games in the league stage with an aim to secure a top-two spot.

The number of matches at the summer's tournament will increase from 64 to 104 with a new round of 32, and will impact results and approaches

Get a complete guide to FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I: team previews, key players, full match schedule, fixtures, venues and live streaming details. Stay updated with kick-off times, broadcast info and everything you need to follow Group I action.

Doing picks for the World Cup is hard. Not the picking itself — which is a different challenge — but the group stage format makes early predictions a little wonky. It’ll be way easier when it gets to the knockout round.

You've got questions. We've got answers. Here's everything you need to know before the World Cup kicks off Thursday.

The World Cup started in 1930 with just 13 teams involved and was split into four groups. It became a 16-team tournament in 1954, before being increased to 24 in 1982. The past seven editions of the World Cup have been 32-team tournaments,

FIFA announced a new rule regarding yellow cards that will make many fans very happy. Check out what they changed. (AP Photo)

The Under-20 Women’s National Team is training in Aveiro, Portugal, for one of its final preparation periods before the World Cup. In addition to the friendlies already played against Finland U-23