The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams. This expansion from 32 teams marks the largest World Cup to date and will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament format adds more groups (12 groups of 4) and a knockout stage that includes the top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams, for a total of 32 teams advancing to the knockout rounds. The new format also increases total matches to 104. If you’d like, I can pull up the latest official announcements or summarize how the qualification process works for the remaining spots.[1][4][5]
With the 2026 World Cup coming to the United States, Canada, and Mexico, FIFA has confirmed that it will expand the number of teams at the tournament and change the format. The Sporting News brings you a full rundown of how the World Cup will work in 2026.
www.sportingnews.comThe 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
www.si.comThe 48-team 2026 World Cup will have a record 104 matches after FIFA revised the group stage format to 12 groups of four teams.
www.espn.comMore teams than ever before will contest the 24th edition of the FIFA World Cup, which will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026.
www.sportingnews.comIn 2026, 48 teams take part in the World Cup. How will it work and what will it look like? We break down the new-look tournament.
www.espn.comWith 46 teams confirmed for World Cup 2026, excitement builds for the final two spots decided in March intercontinental playoffs. Discover which nations still have a chance to make history.
www.worldcuppro.comThe race to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is drawing to a close. Here's how it's looking around the globe.
www.espn.comIn 2026, 48 teams take part in the World Cup. How will it work and what will it look like? We break down the new-look tournament.
www.espn.com