Tuesday briefing: Is next year’s XXL World Cup an expansion too far?

In today’s newsletter: As the 2026 tournament expands, questions are being asked about its new format, its environmental impact and whether Fifa is bending too many of its own rulesGood morning. Last week in Washington a lengthy and glitzy ceremony saw the draw taking place for the 2026 men’s Fifa World Cup, the largest edition of the tournament to date, to be staged across the US, Mexico and Canada next June and July. It looks set to be a geopolitical showpiece for Donald Trump, reinforced by the ludicrous sight of him being awarded Fifa’s inaugural peace prize. The football tournament will feature 48 teams, 12 groups and 104 matches, a huge expansion from the 32-team format in place since 1998.The draw didn’t quite settle who is playing whom – the last six countries to qualify won’t be announced until March. But England and Scotland know who they will face, and Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland have a glimpse of what awaits them if they can steer their way through the Uefa playoffs...