The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams divided into 12 groups, with the tournament running from June 12 to July 13, 2026, according to FIFA. The event marks the first expansion of the competition to 48 teams, altering the structure of the group stage and knockout rounds. Germany, the 2014 champions, will compete in Group B, facing Spain, Japan, and Costa Rica in their opening matches.
FIFA confirmed the 48-team format at a press conference in March 2023, stating the expansion aims to increase global participation and excitement. The tournament will include 104 matches across 16 venues, with the opening match set for June 12 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and the final on July 13 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The group stage will see teams compete in four-team groups, with the top two from each group and the four best third-place teams advancing to the knockout rounds.
What is the Format of the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 World Cup will follow a modified format compared to previous editions. The 48 teams are split into 12 groups of four, with each team playing three group-stage matches. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Round of 16, along with the four best third-place teams. This structure replaces the previous system of eight groups with four teams, increasing the number of matches and opportunities for underdogs.
The knockout stage will feature 32 teams, with the Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final following the traditional single-elimination format. FIFA’s decision to expand the tournament was met with mixed reactions, with critics citing concerns over player workload and match quality. However, the organization emphasized that the new format would “promote inclusivity and global engagement,” as stated in a press release.
Which Teams Are in Which Groups?
The 12 groups for the 2026 World Cup were determined through a draw held in March 2023. Group A includes the United States, England, Iran, and Wales, while Group B features Germany, Spain, Japan, and Costa Rica. The full group breakdown is as follows:
- Group A: United States, England, Iran, Wales
- Group B: Germany, Spain, Japan, Costa Rica
- Group C: Argentina, Mexico, Poland, Saudi Arabia
- Group D: Brazil, Switzerland, Serbia, Cameroon
- Group E: France, Peru, Tunisia, Australia
- Group F: Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
- Group G: Netherlands, Ecuador, Qatar, Ghana
- Group H: Portugal, Uruguay, South Korea, Ghana
- Group I: Italy, Switzerland, Wales, TBC
- Group J: Netherlands, Poland, TBC, TBC
- Group K: Brazil, Colombia, TBC, TBC
- Group L: Argentina, Peru, TBC, TBC
Teams were seeded based on their FIFA rankings, with the host nations (USA, Canada, Mexico) automatically placed in the draw. The final group assignments were confirmed by FIFA
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