World Cup 2026
Group Stage

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has 12 groups Groups A through L each containing four teams. This expanded format (up from 8 groups in previous tournaments) accommodates the increased field of 48 nations.

Two teams advance directly from each group to the Round of 32 as group winners and runners-up. In addition, the eight best third-placed teams across all 12 groups also advance, giving 32 teams in total progressing to the knockout stage.

Tiebreakers are applied in this order: (1) points, (2) goal difference, (3) goals scored, (4) head-to-head points between tied teams, (5) head-to-head goal difference, (6) head-to-head goals scored, (7) disciplinary points, (8) FIFA ranking.

Groups A, B, and C are the host-nation groups. Group A contains the United States, Group B contains Mexico, and Group C contains Canada. Each host nation is automatically seeded into their own group.

Each team plays three group stage matches one against each of the other three teams in their group. The group stage runs from June 11 to June 26, with final matchday games within each group played simultaneously to ensure fairness.

There are 72 group stage matches in total: 12 groups × 6 matches per group (each team plays the other three once). This is nearly double the 48 group stage matches at previous 32-team World Cups.