Tournament guide
World Cup 2026 groups and format
The 2026 World Cup introduces a brand-new format with 48 teams. Here is how the groups, qualification and knockout bracket work — and how to follow your group in your calendar.
Browse teams by group48 teams, 12 groups
For the first time, 48 nations qualify for the World Cup, divided into 12 groups of four (Groups A through L). Each team plays three group-stage matches.
The top two from every group advance, along with the eight best third-placed teams, creating a 32-team knockout phase — a round larger than at previous World Cups.
The road to the final
After the group stage comes the round of 32, round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, a third-place play-off and the final. Every knockout match is win-or-go-home.
In total there are 104 matches across the tournament, more than ever before.
Follow your group
On the schedule page you can filter by group to see exactly when each of your group's matches kick off. Add your team and the fixtures land in your calendar with automatic updates.
Frequently asked questions
How many groups are there in the 2026 World Cup?
There are 12 groups of four teams each, labelled A to L.
How many teams advance from each group?
The top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advance — 32 teams in total.
How many matches does each team play in the group stage?
Each team plays three group-stage matches.
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