World Cup 2026 Groups

The 2026 FIFA World Cup features 12 groups labeled A through L, with exactly 4 teams in each group. This represents a significant expansion from the 8 groups (A through H) used in previous 32-team World Cups from 1998 to 2022. The increase to 12 groups was necessary to accommodate the new 48-team format while maintaining the traditional structure of 4 teams per group. Each group plays 6 total matches (each team faces the other 3 teams once), resulting in 72 group stage matches across the entire tournament.

From each of the 12 groups, the top 2 teams (1st and 2nd place) automatically qualify for the knockout stage, accounting for 24 teams. Additionally, the 8 best third-place teams from across all 12 groups also advance, bringing the total to 32 teams for the Round of 32. Third-place teams are ranked by points, goal difference, goals scored, fair play record, and drawing of lots if needed. The bottom 4 third-place teams (ranked 9th through 12th among third-place finishers) are eliminated along with all 4th-place teams. This creates exactly 32 teams for the single-elimination knockout bracket.

In the group stage, each team plays exactly 3 matches — one against each of the other 3 teams in their group. The point system awards 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. Final group standings are determined first by total points, then by goal difference (goals scored minus goals conceded), then by total goals scored. If teams remain tied, FIFA uses head-to-head record, head-to-head goal difference, fair play points, and ultimately drawing of lots. The group stage runs from June 11 to June 29, 2026, across all 16 tournament venues.