FIFA WORLD CUP 2026
The biggest World Cup in history — 48 teams, 104 matches, 16 host cities across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
48
Teams
12
Groups
104
Matches
16
Host Cities
The New 48-Team Format
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks the biggest expansion in the tournament's history. For the first time, 48 national teams will compete — up from the 32-team format used since 1998. This means more nations, more matches, and more drama.
The expanded format introduces a new tournament structure with 12 groups of 4 teams and, for the first time ever, a Round of 32 in the knockout stage.
Group Stage
24 teams advance directly12 groups of 4 teams. Each team plays 3 matches. Top 2 from each group advance automatically.
Third-Place Advancement
8 additional teams qualifyThe 8 best third-place teams (out of 12) also advance to the knockout stage.
Round of 32
New for 2026A brand new round for the World Cup. 32 teams compete in 16 single-elimination matches.
Round of 16 → Final
31 total knockout matchesStandard single-elimination knockout from the Round of 16 through Quarter Finals, Semi Finals, and the Final.
Tournament Schedule
Host Cities & Venues
The 2026 World Cup is the first tournament hosted across three countries, with 16 venues spanning North America.
United States — 11 Cities
Mexico — 3 Cities
Canada — 2 Cities
How Qualification Works
48 spots are allocated across FIFA's six confederations. The hosts (USA, Mexico, Canada) qualify automatically.
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