The 2026 World Cup is set to feature a completely new tournament format, expanding to 48 nations, 12 groups, and a first knockout stage with 32 teams. It will be the largest World Cup in history, and here’s a breakdown of how it will operate.

The Basic Structure

For the first time, the World Cup will include 48 teams, up from the previous 32. While FIFA initially considered three-team groups, they opted to stick with the traditional four-team group format. The 48 teams will therefore be divided into 12 groups of four.

This expansion means more matches—104 in total—and greater potential for surprising results throughout the tournament.

The Group Stage

In the group stage, each team plays every other team in its group once. FIFA has scheduled fixed match times to allow fans worldwide to follow the action.

From each group, 32 teams will advance to the knockout stage: the top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams. This ensures that even a team finishing third with just one win could still progress.

If teams are level on points at the end of the group stage, FIFA applies the following tiebreakers in order:

1. Goal difference: The difference between goals scored and conceded across all group matches.
2. Goals scored: The team with more goals ranks higher.
3. Head-to-head: Points, goal difference, and goals scored in matches between the tied teams.
4. Fair play ranking: Fewer yellow and red cards within the group.
5. Drawing of lots: Used only as a last resort.

The Knockout Rounds

From the round of 32 onward, the tournament follows the classic knockout format: round of 32, round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final.

Top-ranked teams are placed on opposite sides of the bracket to prevent early clashes. For example, Spain and Argentina—the world’s two highest-ranked teams—can only meet in the final if they both win their groups. The same applies to France and England, ranked third and fourth.

The two semi-finals are scheduled for July 14 in Arlington (AT&T Stadium) and July 15 in Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium). The final will take place on July 19 in East Rutherford (MetLife Stadium), with the finalists having three to four days to recover and prepare.

In the knockout stage, there are no second chances. Matches tied at the end of regular time will go to extra time, and if still unresolved, a penalty shootout will determine the winner.