How the 2026 World Cup works

Group stage — 12 groups of 4

The 48 nations are divided into 12 groups (Groups A–L) of four teams each. Every team plays three group-stage matches against the other teams in their group. Points are awarded in the standard way: 3 for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss.

If teams are level on points, the tiebreakers are (in order): goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head result, head-to-head goal difference, and drawing of lots.

Which teams qualify for the knockout stage?

A total of 32 teams advance from the group stage:

• 24 automatic qualifiers — the top two teams from each of the 12 groups.
• 8 best third-placed teams — the eight highest-ranked third-place finishers across all 12 groups, ranked by points, then goal difference, then goals scored.

Third place is no longer just an honourable mention — 8 of the 12 third-placed teams continue. Only the four worst third-placed teams are eliminated at the group stage.

Round of 32 — the new knockout round

The Round of 32 is a feature unique to the expanded 48-team format. All 32 qualified teams play a single-elimination match; the 16 winners advance to the Round of 16. There are no away goals or extra time at this stage before normal knockout rules apply — 90 minutes of regulation, then extra time, then a penalty shoot-out if needed.

Round of 16, quarter-finals & semi-finals

From the Round of 32 onwards, the tournament follows a standard single-elimination bracket:

• Round of 16 — 16 teams, 8 matches
• Quarter-finals — 8 teams, 4 matches
• Semi-finals — 4 teams, 2 matches
• Third-place play-off — the two semi-final losers play for bronze
• Final — 19 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA

Total match count