The New 48-Team Format

World Cup 2026 introduces the largest tournament in FIFA history

Teams

Groups

104

Matches

Host Countries

How It Works

Group Stage

48 teams are divided into 12 groups of 4 teams. Each team plays 3 matches (once against each group opponent).

Group

Advancement: The top 2 teams from each group (24 teams) plus the 8 best third-placed teams advance to the knockout stage.

Round of 32

32 teams compete in 16 single-elimination matches. This is a new stage not present in the 32-team format.

Match 1

Match 2

Match 3

Match 4

Match 5

Match 6

Match 7

Match 8

Match 9

Match 10

Match 11

Match 12

Match 13

Match 14

Match 15

Match 16

Round of 16 to Final

The tournament continues as usual with single-elimination knockout rounds.

Round of 16 → Quarter-finals → Semi-finals → Final

How Third-Place Teams Qualify

With 12 groups, the 12 third-placed teams are ranked. The best 8 advance to the Round of 32.

Ranking criteria (in order):

Points (3 for win, 1 for draw, 0 for loss)
Goal difference
Goals scored
Fair play points (yellow/red cards)
FIFA ranking at start of tournament

Old vs New Format

Aspect	Previous (32 teams)	2026 (48 teams)
Total Teams	32	48
Groups	8	12
Teams per Group	4	4
Group Stage Matches	48	72
Knockout Teams	16	32
Total Matches	64	104
Tournament Days	32	39
Host Countries	1	3

Tournament Bracket

Round of 32

32 teams

16 matches

→

Round of 16

16 teams

8 matches

→

Quarter-finals

8 teams

4 matches

→

Semi-finals

4 teams

2 matches

→

Third Place

2 teams

1 match

→

Final

2 teams

1 match

Matches by Host Country

🇺🇸

United States

11 venues

Total matches 78

Including Final Yes

🇲🇽

Mexico

3 venues

Total matches 13

Opening match Yes

🇨🇦

Canada

2 venues

Total matches 13

First WC matches Historic

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did FIFA expand to 48 teams?

The expansion allows more nations to participate in football's biggest event, increases revenue through more matches, and gives emerging football nations a chance to compete on the world stage.

Will there be more draws/ties in group stage?

The format keeps 4 teams per group (not 3 as originally proposed), so each team still plays 3 group matches. This maintains competitive balance while expanding the tournament.

How are the 48 slots distributed by confederation?

UEFA (Europe): 16 teams
CAF (Africa): 9 teams
AFC (Asia): 8 teams
CONMEBOL (South America): 6 teams
CONCACAF (North/Central America): 6 teams
OFC (Oceania): 1 team
Intercontinental playoffs: 2 teams

Is this the first tri-hosted World Cup?

Yes! This is the first World Cup hosted by three countries. Japan and South Korea co-hosted in 2002, but never before have three nations shared hosting duties.

Ready for the Draw?

The official group stage draw will determine which teams face each other.

View Schedule & Key Dates