Soccer-World Cup going from compact to super-sized in 2026

The Official FIFA World Cup Trophy is seen before a news conference in New York City, New York, U.S., June 17, 2022. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

TORONTO (Reuters) - With the most compact World Cup ever reaching a climax on Sunday in Qatar, the baton will be passed to 2026 co-hosts the United States, Mexico and Canada for what will be a super-sized global soccer showcase with more games and travel - and much more beer.

After controversially awarding 2022 host duties to Qatar, a country smaller than the state of Connecticut, soccer's governing body FIFA is going big in 2026, increasing the number of teams from 32 to 48 with games over three nations and as many time zones.