The 2026 World Cup will expand to 48 teams, changing the format from the traditional eight groups of four to 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group will progress, along with the eight best third-placed teams. FIFA abandoned the initial idea of groups of three to maintain the current number of fixtures. The schedule reveals matches hosted by co-hosts USA, Canada, and Mexico, and a full draw is expected in December 2025.
The 2026 World Cup will see an expansion from 32 to 48 teams, introducing 12 groups of four teams, with top two and eight best third-placed teams advancing.
FIFA's original plan for groups of three was dropped, as the new format will entail a total of 72 group stage matches across various venues.
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