Best Formats for 48 Teams for 2026

The current FIFA plans for the 48 game tournament are, in a word, stupid.

My understanding is that the current idea is
Design 1:

-3 team groups
-top 2 advance to a round of 32 single elimination touranment

This is silly because:
1) Three team groups still need three match days to play, with one team getting a bye each matchday. The one with the middle match day bye gets a big advantage.
2) You now have to make room for 16 "Round of 32" games.

That round of 32 is going to add...

Best Formats for 48 Teams for 2026