The 2026 World Cup marks a before and after in the history of the tournament. For the first time, 48 national teams will compete, with the event hosted across three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The New Format
The group stage expands from 8 to 12 groups of 4 teams. The top two from each group and the 8 best third-placed teams will advance to a round of 32, which leads into the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the grand final.
Key Facts
- 104 matches in total (vs. 64 at Qatar 2022)
- 39 days of competition: from June 11 to July 19, 2026
- 16 venues across three countries
- The final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey
What Changes From Qatar 2022?
| Category | Qatar 2022 | World Cup 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Teams | 32 | 48 |
| Groups | 8 (x4) | 12 (x4) |
| Matches | 64 | 104 |
| Duration | 29 days | 39 days |
| Host | 1 country | 3 countries |
More Opportunities for Everyone
The expansion to 48 teams opens the door to greater representation from confederations such as CAF (Africa), AFC (Asia), and OFC (Oceania). This means more footballing diversity and the chance to see debutant nations on the biggest stage of all.
Check the World Cup 2026 groups and the full match schedule so you don’t miss a thing.