The 2026 World Cup’s new format kicks off on June 11, with 48 teams vying in intense group stages and knockout rounds for a coveted spot in the July 19 final.
WASHINGTON — With the World Cup draw complete and all 48 spots qualified, every nation in the tournament knows where they stand heading into the biggest tournament in sports.
The draw has divided teams into 12 groups, setting the stage for weeks of intense competition as countries begin their quest for the championship.
The tournament begins with the group stage, where the four teams in each group will compete in a round-robin format. Each team will play three matches, facing every other team in its group once. Points are awarded for wins and draws, and the top two teams from each group will automatically advance to the knockout stage.
The 2026 World Cup format also allows eight of the 12 third-place teams to advance. Those teams will be ranked using tiebreaker criteria such as goal differential, goals scored and other performance metrics to determine which sides move on.
The group stage will run from June 11 through June 27, giving teams roughly two weeks to establish their standing before the elimination rounds begin.
After the group stage, the tournament shifts to a 32-team knockout bracket. The knockout stage begins June 28 and will continue for three weeks as teams advance through single-elimination rounds. From the round of 32 to the round of 16, then through the quarterfinals and semifinals, teams must win each match to continue their championship run.
The World Cup Final is scheduled for July 19, capping off nearly five weeks of global competition.
SOCCER 101:
Brush up on your knowledge ahead of the World Cup with these explainers: