tabela copa

How It Works

The 2026 World Cup is the first with 48 teams. Learn how the new format works.

Group Stage

The 48 teams are divided into 12 groups of 4. Each team plays 3 matches (one against each opponent in the group).

  • Win: 3 points
  • Draw: 1 point
  • Loss: 0 points

Tiebreakers are applied in this order: points, goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head record, disciplinary record (cards) and drawing of lots.

Who qualifies?

Teams advancing to the knockout stage are the top two from each group (24 teams) plus the 8 best third-place teams across all 12 groups. A total of 32 teams advance from the group stage.

Knockout Stage

The knockout stage is single-elimination — one match decides who advances:

  1. Round of 32 — 16 matches (32 → 16 teams)
  2. Round of 16 — 8 matches (16 → 8)
  3. Quarterfinals — 4 matches (8 → 4)
  4. Semifinals — 2 matches (4 → 2)
  5. Third-place playoff — 1 match
  6. Final — 1 match

If a match is level after 90 minutes, it goes to extra time (two 15-minute halves) and, if still level, a penalty shootout.

2026 World Cup by the Numbers

Teams 48
Groups 12
Total matches 104
Venues 16 stadiums across 3 countries
Opening match 11 June 2026
Final 19 July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 2026 World Cup schedule?
The 2026 World Cup schedule covers all 12 groups, standings, matches and results. The tournament takes place in the United States, Mexico and Canada from 11 June to 19 July 2026, with 48 teams.
When does the 2026 World Cup start?
The 2026 World Cup starts on 11 June 2026, with the final scheduled for 19 July 2026.
Where will the 2026 World Cup be held?
The 2026 World Cup will be held across three countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada, in 16 host cities.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 World Cup features 48 teams divided into 12 groups of 4 — the first edition with this expanded format.
How does the 2026 World Cup Group Stage work?
The 48 teams are split into 12 groups of 4. The top two from each group and the 8 best third-place teams advance to the knockout stage, which begins in the Round of 32 (32 qualified teams).
How many matches are in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 World Cup has 104 matches in total: 72 in the Group Stage and 32 in the knockout stage (16 in the Round of 32, 8 in the Round of 16, 4 in the Quarterfinals, 2 in the Semifinals, the third-place playoff and the final).
Which group is Brazil in?
Brazil is in Group C, alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland. Brazil's Group Stage matches will be played in the United States.
Who is the reigning World Cup champion?
Argentina is the reigning champion, having won their third World Cup title at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Where will the 2026 World Cup final be held?
The final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey (USA) on 19 July 2026.
Which teams are making their World Cup debut in 2026?
Four teams will make their World Cup debut: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan.
What time zone are the matches in for Brazil?
Matches will be played across several cities in North America. In Brasília Time (BRT), kickoffs are expected between 1:00 PM and 10:00 PM depending on the host city.
Is this the first World Cup with 3 host countries?
Yes. The 2026 World Cup is the first in history to be hosted by three countries: the United States (11 cities), Mexico (3 cities) and Canada (2 cities). It is also the first co-hosted World Cup since 2002 (South Korea and Japan).