First finals with 48 teams
World Cup mode: This is how the 2026 World Cup works
Updated June 8, 2026 – 4:35 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
FIFA has fundamentally reformed the World Cup format for 2026. You can read here exactly how the third-placed team’s progression works and why their German opponents in the knockout round could remain a mystery for a long time.
Mode of the 2026 World Cup: Group phase with twelve groups
The field of participants for the 2026 World Cup will be increased from 32 to 48 nations. The schedule includes 104 games in just 39 days. The game is played in twelve groups of four teams each. FIFA ultimately decided against a World Cup format with groups of three in order to avoid agreements on the last match day. In addition to the first and second place teams, the best third-place teams also advance to the knockout round.
World Cup mode: Which third-placed group will advance?
In addition to the 24 first and second place teams, eight more teams will reach the knockout phase to complete the field for the round of 16 at 32 nations. A comparison table that prioritizes the teams’ performances will decide who will make it as one of the best third-place teams in the group:
- Higher score from all group games
- Better goal difference from all group games
- Higher number of goals scored from all group games
- Fair play rating (lower number of yellow and red cards)
- Drawing lots by the FIFA Organizing Committee
Mode of the World Cup: The new round of 16
With the new World Cup mode, 32 teams will start the knockout phase for the first time in 2026. The introduction of the round of 16 increases the workload for the finalists to eight matches including the final. The composition of the duels is governed by a set tournament schedule based on the performance in the group tables:
- Eight group winners meet the qualified third-place teams. This definitely affects the winners of groups A, B, D, E, G, I, K and L.
- Four group winners (from groups C, F, H and J) play against runners-up from other groups.
- In the remaining four duels, two group runners-up compete directly against each other (e.g. the second from group A against the second from group B).
- World Cup 2026 on TV and stream: The World Cup broadcast on ARD, ZDF and MagentaTV
- All games at a glance: The World Cup schedule to print out