World Cup Groups
Explore the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage — 48 teams competing in 12 groups of 4, with the top 2 from each group plus the 8 best third-place finishers advancing to the Round of 32.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage features 48 teams across 12 groups of 4, with each team playing 3 matches. The top 2 from each group advance to the knockout stage, along with the 8 best third-place finishers from across all groups.
Group stage results determine which teams continue into the Round of 32 and beyond. With 4 teams in each group, every point matters — and even third-place finishers can advance depending on results across all groups.
World Cup 2026 uses the expanded 48-team format, with 12 groups of 4 replacing previous tournament structures. Each team plays 3 group stage matches, with 3 points for a win and 1 for a draw. This means more nations, a new Round of 32 in the knockout stage, and 104 total matches across the tournament.
The group stage runs from June 11 to June 27, 2026. Each team plays 3 matches with points awarded for wins (3), draws (1), and losses (0). The final matchday of each group is played simultaneously to ensure fair play.
The group stage features 48 teams in 12 groups of 4. Each team plays 3 matches within their group, earning 3 points for a win and 1 for a draw. The top 2 teams from each group advance, plus the 8 best third-placed teams — giving 32 total teams advancing to the Round of 32.
Two teams qualify directly from each group, plus the 8 best third-placed teams from across all 12 groups. This means 32 of the 48 teams advance to the Round of 32 — the new knockout round introduced with the expanded 48-team format.
Group C is widely regarded as the Group of Death — featuring five-time champions Brazil, 2022 semi-finalists Morocco, Scotland and Haiti. Group I (France, Senegal, Norway) and Group J (Argentina, Austria, Algeria) also feature multiple high-quality nations.