Bacary Sagna Predicts Record-Breaking 2026 World Cup in United States

Former France and Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has endorsed the United States to deliver a successful 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing the country's infrastructure and the expanding profile of football in North America. The 2026 tournament will be the first to feature 48 teams, up from the 32-team format used since 1998. Infrastructure and Market Growth Sagna, who earned 65 caps for the French national team, pointed to the existing stadium capacities and logistical capabilities in the US as primary factors for tournament success. The 2026 edition is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the majority of matches scheduled for US venues including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. The expanded format will include 104 matches played over 39 days. FIFA officials expect the tournament to set records for attendance and revenue, following the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Sagna’s comments come as international football figures increasingly turn their attention to the North American market ahead of the quadrennial event. Impact of the Expanded Format The shift to a 48-team tournament introduces a new round-of-32 knockout stage. This expansion is designed to increase global…