World Cup 2026 Format and Number of Teams
The FIFA World Cup 2026 format introduces a major change to the tournament structure, expanding the competition to 48 national teams. This article explains how the tournament works, including the number of teams that advance at each stage and the process by which the champion is determined.
How the World Cup 2026 Competition Works
FIFA has confirmed that the tournament will use 12 groups of 4 teams, replacing the earlier proposal of 16 groups of 3 teams. The competition is divided into two main stages:
- Group stage
- Knockout stage
Teams must finish in the top positions during the group stage to qualify for the knockout rounds. From that point onward, matches are played in a single-elimination format.
Group Stage Format
The group stage of the World Cup 2026 will include:
- 48 teams
- 12 groups
- 4 teams per group
Each team plays three group-stage matches, facing every other team in its group once.
After all group matches are completed:
- The top two teams from each group qualify automatically
- The eight best third-placed teams across all groups also qualify
This means:
- 32 teams advance to the knockout stage
- 16 teams are eliminated after the group stage
Knockout Stage Format
The knockout stage begins with 32 teams, introducing a round of 32 for the first time in World Cup history.
From this stage onward, all matches are single-elimination, meaning the losing team is eliminated from the tournament.
The knockout rounds progress as follows:
- Round of 32
- Round of 16
- Quarterfinals
- Semifinals
- Final
Teams must win each match to advance to the World Cup final.
Total Number of Matches
In total, the World Cup 2026 will feature 104 matches, compared to 64 matches in previous 32-team tournaments.
Due to the expanded 48-team format, the World Cup 2026 will feature more matches than any previous World Cup. The increased number of fixtures allows matches to be distributed across host cities while extending the tournament duration.
Seamless Travel During World Cup 2026
The World Cup 2026 introduces the most significant structural shift in the tournament’s history, expanding to 48 teams across 12 groups and an enlarged knockout stage. The new format delivers more matches and broader global participation while maintaining a straightforward path to the final.
With matches spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, reliable mobile access is an essential part of the travel experience. A North America eSIM, such as Eskimo, provides mobile data coverage across all three host countries without the need to change physical SIM cards. Fans can easily follow fixtures, access digital tickets, and navigate host cities. First-time users can also trial Eskimo’s free 500MB global eSIM, available in over 100 countries, including North America, before selecting a full plan.
FAQs
How many teams are in the World Cup 2026?
The World Cup 2026 will feature 48 national teams, expanded from 32 teams in previous tournaments.
How many teams advance from the group stage?
A total of 32 teams advance from the group stage to the knockout stage.
What is the first knockout round in the World Cup 2026?
The first knockout round is the round of 32, which features 32 teams.
