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the way it'll work with 16 groups of 3 in 2026
Ugh, is that the format, with two going through into the next round? Awful. Should be eight groups of six, little mini leagues at the start.
dubkev-
the way it'll work with 16 groups of 3 in 2026
Ugh, is that the format, with two going through into the next round? Awful. Should be eight groups of six, little mini leagues at the start.
Currently: 3 group games, last 16, QF, SF, Final = 7 games max - played in 32 days
2026: 2 group games, last 32, last 16, QF, SF, Final = 7 games max - can be played in 32 days
8 groups of 6: 5 group games top 2 go through, last 16, QF, SF, Final = 9 games max - can't be played in 32 days
or:-
8 groups of 6: 5 group games only winner goes through, QF, SF, Final = 8 games max - still can't be played in 32 days
Greenbank
They need to get rid of the finishing top or second tactical nonsense too. After a group has finished its games just do a draw for who goes through as winner and who goes through as runner up. That way no-one can pick out the "easier" side of the draw in advance.
(Looking at the way it'll work with 16 groups of 3 in 2026 I guess this last group game tactical stuff is dead anyway. I can't see a way the 3rd group game could ever be a dead rubber.)