Mashable: The FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar saw a stunning group stage, and the international football governing body is considering changes for the next event.

According to reports, after adopting a tried-and-true model to create the most exciting World Cup group stage ever and hold the attention of hundreds of millions of spectators, FIFA now faces the possibility of tearing it all apart.

The original plan for the World Cup 2026 was for there to be 16 groups of three teams, with two teams moving on to the next round. The format may, however, result in an excessive number of dead rubbers, alienating supporters. FIFA is also concerned that teams would attempt to manipulate the outcomes in their favor.

The tournament, which will take place across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., has been expanded to include 48 teams and is expected to differ greatly from the present version. Although "other forms" are being taken into consideration, the decision will be made next year.

There are now two different alternatives under consideration. One possibility is to divide the team into 12 groups of four. Along with the best third-place team, the top two teams would advance.

Another alternative is to divide the tournament in half. There would be six groups of four teams in each half, and the winners would face off in the final.

The number of games will, however, increase significantly as a result. The 29-day World Cup in Qatar featuring 32 teams will be replaced by 80 games spanning over 32 days in 2026. There would be 104 games with four-team groups, which would add at least a week to the schedule.

Meanwhile, the final match between Argentina and France will bring the 2022 World Cup to an end on Sunday.