FIFA World Cup 2026 · last reviewed 26 September 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 format

FIFA expanded the men’s World Cup from 32 teams (1998–2022) to 48 teams in 2026. The published structure used 12 groups of four. The 12 group winners, 12 runners-up and eight best third-placed teams made a 32-team knockout (round of 32 through to the final). FIFA scheduled 104 matches. Fair-play and other tie-breaks belong in that edition’s tournament regulations PDF — we do not invent a ranking formula.

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Who this page is for

Readers comparing 32-team vs 48-team World Cups.

What this page is not

Not a live points table and not a predicted bracket.

Useful facts

48 teams — the first men’s World Cup at this size.
12 groups of four teams.
32 teams in the knockout: winners, runners-up, plus eight best thirds.
104 matches on the FIFA schedule.
Three hosts (Canada, Mexico, United States) entered as host nations under FIFA’s published qualification rules for that edition.

FAQs

How many teams were in FIFA World Cup 2026?

48 teams.

How many matches did FIFA schedule?

104 matches.

Was 2026 the first 48-team men’s World Cup?

Yes. From 1998 to 2022 the men’s tournament used 32 teams.

Sources and references

Last reviewed 26 September 2026. Dates, venues and format were checked against FIFA’s public tournament information. We do not invent 2026 scores or a champion.