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.
