2026 World Cup: How the New 48-Team Format Will Work

The 2026 World Cup will debut a brand-new format, expanding the tournament to 48 nations, 12 groups, and a first knockout stage featuring 32 teams. Simply put, it will be the biggest World Cup in history. Here’s a breakdown of how it will work.

The Basic Structure
For the first time, the World Cup will feature 48 teams, up from the previous 32. While FIFA initially considered three-team groups, they ultimately retained the traditional four-team format. The 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of four, resulting in more matches—104 in total—and a higher chance of surprise outcomes.

The Group Stage
In the group stage, every team plays all other teams in their group. FIFA has scheduled fixed time slots for these matches to make it easier for fans worldwide to follow the action.

A total of 32 teams will advance to the knockout stage: the top two from each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams. This means even a third-placed team with just one win could move on.

If teams are tied on points, FIFA applies the following tiebreakers in order:

Goal difference – the difference between goals scored and conceded.

Goals scored – the team with more goals ranks higher.

Head-to-head record – points, goal difference, and goals scored in matches between tied teams.

Fair play ranking – fewer yellow and red cards.

Drawing of lots – only as a last resort.

The Knockout Rounds
From the round of 32 onward, the tournament follows a traditional knockout format: round of 32, round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final.

Top-ranked teams are strategically placed on different paths. For instance, Spain and Argentina can only meet in the final if both win their groups. Similarly, France and England, ranked third and fourth, are on opposite sides of the draw.

The 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 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, giving the two finalists four and three days, respectively, to recover and prepare.

There are no second chances in the knockout rounds: if a match ends in a draw, extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout will determine the winner.