Tableau

FIFA World Cup 2026 expands to 48 teams for the first time. The 48 nations are divided into 12 groups of four. The top two from each group advance automatically (24 teams), and the 8 best third-placed finishers among the 12 groups also qualify, creating a Round of 32 for the first time in World Cup history.

In the knockout stage, each match is settled in 90 minutes of regular time. If level, the game proceeds to extra time (2×15 minutes) and then a penalty shoot-out if still tied. There is no third-place play-off in the standard bracket. The Final takes place on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage runs from June 11 to July 1, 2026. The Round of 32 takes place July 4–7, Round of 16 July 9–12, Quarterfinals July 14–15, Semifinals July 17–18 and the Grand Final on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.