In literal terms, it will be the biggest World Cup ever, and this is how it will work.
The basic structure
The World Cup 2026 will, for the first time, feature 48 teams, a significant increase from the previous 32 nations. While three-team groups were initially considered, these 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of four teams each after FIFA opted to stick with the traditional structure.
The new format means more matches (a total of 104 games) and increases the chances for upsets throughout the tournament.
The group stage
As always, the group stage is structured so that every team plays against every other team in their group. FIFA have scheduled fixed time slots for the group stage to ensure fans around the world can follow the matches.
32 teams will qualify for the knockout round, the top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams. This rule means that even teams finishing third with just one win could progress.
If two or more teams are level on points after the group stage, FIFA apply the following tiebreakers in order:
Goal difference: The difference between goals scored and goals conceded in all group matches.
Goals scored: The team with more goals scored ranks higher.
Head-to-head: Points, goal difference, and goals scored in matches between the tied teams.
Fair play ranking: Fewer yellow and red cards within the group.
Drawing of lots: As a last resort, lots are drawn.
The knockout rounds
From the round of 32 onwards, the tournament follows the classic knockout system with a round of 32, a round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final.
The two highest-ranked teams in the world - Spain and Argentina - can only meet in the final if they both win their groups, as they are placed on different paths, similar to Grand Slam tennis tournaments. The same applies to France and England, ranked third and fourth in the world.
The two semi-finals will be played on July 14 in Arlington (AT&T Stadium) and July 15 in Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium). Before the final on July 19 in East Rutherford (MetLife Stadium), the two finalists will have four and three days, respectively, to recover and prepare.
There are no second chances in the knockout stage—if a match ends in a draw, extra time and - if necessary - a penalty shootout will decide the winner.