How Does the 2026 FIFA World Cup Format Work?

The tournament resumes from 11 June until 19 July and will feature a new expanded format, increasing the number of participating teams from 32 to 48.

This edition also marks a significant milestone for African football, with 10 African nations qualifying for the prestigious competition.

The Old Format

In the old format used from 1998 to 2022 in Qatar, the World Cup featured 32 teams divided into eight groups of four nations. Each team played three group-stage matches in a round-robin format.

At the end of the group stage, the top two teams from each group advanced, creating a simple and straightforward knockout stage of 16 teams.

From there, the competition followed a clear elimination route: round of 16, quarterfinals, semi-finals, and the final. The competition consisted of 64 matches, and the structure was widely praised for its clarity and competitive balance.

The New Format

The 2026 FIFA World Cup format has extended the tournament to 48 teams, which are divided into 12 groups of four teams.

Despite the increase in teams, each nation still plays three matches in the group stage. However, the qualification rules have changed.

Instead of only the top two teams advancing, the top two teams from each group qualify along with the eight best third-placed teams across all groups. This results in 32 teams progressing to the knockout phase rather than 16.

Because of this expansion in the knockout stage, a new round of 32 has been introduced. Meaning the knockout rounds now begin earlier and include an additional elimination stage before reaching the Round of 16.

After that, the tournament continues as before with the quarterfinals, semi-finals, and final. As a result of these changes, the number of matches in the tournament has increased from 64 to 104 games.

The new format is made to make the World Cup more global and inclusive by allowing more countries from different regions to participate. It also gives more teams the chance to advance beyond the group stage, which can increase excitement and engagement in many parts of the world.

However, it has also raised concerns among critics, who argue that it could reduce the overall quality of early stage matches and increase pressure on players due to the longer tournament schedule.

Overall, the shift from 32 to 48 teams represents a major evolution in the World Cup’s structure. While the traditional format was known for its simplicity and intensity, the new system focuses more on expansion and global representation.

The 2026 World Cup will therefore not only be larger than ever before, but also fundamentally different in how it is played and experienced.

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