According to reports, the 2026 edition could have some additional features - not just an expanded field.

Although everyone is naturally focused on the happenings at the 2022 World Cup, the next edition is only four years away. While 2026 may seem like a long time in the future, it really isn't - as far as FIFA are concerned.

The 2026 version will be ground-breaking due to the fact that not only will three countries serve as co-hosts, with the USA, Mexico, and Canada all sharing tournament duties, but also the field is set to be expanded from 32 to 48 teams for the first time.

Some have expressed concern that a wider field will mean a lower quality of play in some games as there will be more teams taking part, while others have cheered the decision as it will give "smaller" countries a chance to feature on the world's biggest stage.

In any case, reports have indicated that the 2026 World Cup could have some additional features, including the possibility of penalty shoot-outs during the group stages.

There has been no concrete indication from FIFA as to whether this will happen in four years, but the premise is to avoid as many bore scoreless draws during the group stage as possible.

This scenario would kick in should two teams draw, and after, whoever wins the penalty shoot-out would be rewarded with an additional point. 

In addition, so as to avoid the possibility of some teams deliberately colluding to alter results - as has happened at some tournaments in the past - FIFA are reportedly looking to find ways around this, including when to schedule the penalty shoot-outs so as not to give anyone an unfair advantage.

It remains to be seen if these reported changes are implemented ahead of the next iteration of the World Cup, which will certainly be one unlike any that fans have seen.