Confirmed

How The 48-Team World Cup 2026 Format Works

The expanded tournament has 12 groups, 104 matches and a round of 32. Here is the clean version fans need on matchday.

  • CategoryExplainer
  • Read5 min
  • StatusPrepared for 2026

Quick Format Guide

12 groups

Four teams per group

The tournament starts with 48 teams split across Groups A-L.

104 matches

Bigger knockout bracket

The knockout stage includes a round of 32 before the last 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.

39 days

Three host countries

Canada, Mexico and the United States host from 11 June through 19 July.

Related Explainers

Tournament formatWorld Cup 2026 expands to 48 teams, split into 12 groups of four before the knockout rounds.Group tie-breakersGroup standings are decided by FIFA competition regulations, including points, goal difference and further tie-break rules.Extra time and penaltiesKnockout matches that are level after normal time can proceed to extra time and penalties under FIFA rules.VAR at World Cup 2026Video assistant refereeing is part of modern FIFA tournament operations and is governed by the Laws of the Game and FIFA protocols.Knockout bracketThe bracket begins after the 12 groups conclude and determines the path to the 19 July final.Time zonesMatches are hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States, so local kick-off times vary by city.

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