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How many teams advance to the next round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature a historic 48-team format, giving more nations a chance to move beyond the group stage.
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












