World Cup 2026

Tournament Overview

Qualifiers

How teams qualify for the World Cup

The qualification process involves 211 teams competing for 48 spots in the final tournament. The process is divided by confederation, with each having its own format.

View Qualifier Standings

Tournament Format

New expanded format for 2026

48 teams (increased from 32)
16 groups of 3 teams each
Top 2 teams from each group advance
32-team knockout stage
Total of 80 matches (up from 64)

This new format allows for more teams to participate and more matches to be played, increasing global representation and excitement.

Match Schedule

Key dates and matches

Opening Match: June 11, 2026
Group Stage: June 11 - June 27
Round of 32: June 28 - July 1
Round of 16: July 2 - July 5
Quarter-finals: July 9 - July 10
Semi-finals: July 14 - July 15
Third Place Play-off: July 18
Final: July 19, 2026

View Full Schedule

How It's Different

The 2026 FIFA World Cup™ introduces several significant changes from previous tournaments:

Expanded Field: 48 teams will participate, up from 32 in previous tournaments, allowing for greater global representation.
New Group Stage: 16 groups of 3 teams each, instead of 8 groups of 4, with the top 2 teams advancing from each group.
Additional Knockout Round: A new round of 32 has been added before the round of 16, extending the knockout phase.
More Matches: A total of 80 matches will be played, compared to 64 in the previous format.
Joint Hosting: For the first time, the World Cup will be hosted by three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Wider Geographic Spread: Matches will be played across a much larger geographic area than in any previous World Cup.