The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature a historic 48-team format, giving more nations a chance to move beyond the group stage.

But only 32 teams will reach the knockout rounds.

Which teams qualify for the Round of 32?

Advancing are:

• The top two teams from each of the 12 groups (24 teams)
• The eight best third-place teams (8 teams)

That makes 32 teams in the Round of 32.

The other 16 nations will be eliminated.

Knockout bracket format

• Round of 32
• Round of 16
• Quarterfinals
• Semifinals
• Third-place match
• Final

Unlike Qatar 2022, the knockout stage begins one round earlier.

How many games will the World Cup champion play?

The champion will play eight matches:

• 3 group-stage matches
• Round of 32
• Round of 16
• Quarterfinal
• Semifinal
• Final

A semifinalist that plays the third-place match would also play eight games.

2026 World Cup Groups

Group A

• Mexico
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Czech Republic

Group B

• Canada
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Qatar
• Switzerland

Group C

• Brazil
• Morocco
• Haiti
• Scotland

Group D

• United States
• Paraguay
• Australia
• Türkiye

Group E

• Germany
• Curaçao
• Ivory Coast
• Ecuador

Group F

• Netherlands
• Japan
• Sweden
• Tunisia

Group G

• Belgium
• Egypt
• Iran
• New Zealand

Group H

• Spain
• Cape Verde
• Saudi Arabia
• Uruguay

Group I

• France
• Senegal
• Iraq
• Norway

Group J

• Argentina
• Algeria
• Austria
• Jordan

Group K

• Portugal
• DR Congo
• Uzbekistan
• Colombia

Group L

• England
• Croatia
• Ghana
• Panama

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