How to Watch World Cup 2026: TV & Streaming by Country
Official broadcasters and streamers for World Cup 2026 across ~15 major markets, from FOX and BBC to Globo, M6 and NHK.
Kickoff Staff3 min read
World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage Explained
How the new Round of 32 works, why eight third-placed teams advance, and how knockout routing is decided at World Cup 2026.
A knockout stage like never before
With 48 teams across 12 groups, World Cup 2026 introduces a brand-new Round of 32. Not affiliated with FIFA. See the format explainer first.
Who reaches the knockouts
- The winner and runner-up of each of the 12 groups (24 teams).
- The eight best third-placed teams.
The eight best third-placed teams
Twelve groups produce twelve third-placed teams; only eight advance, ranked by points, then goal difference, then goals scored. Track it on standings.
Routing & beyond
Thirty-two qualifiers slot into a predetermined bracket; third-placed routing depends on which groups they came from. From the Round of 32 it is single-elimination to the final on 19 July. Read up on France and Argentina, and check the schedule hub.
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