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Everything that changes this year, explained without jargon: the new format, the rules that decide who advances, and how to get the most out of this site.
For the first time, 48 teams take part, split into 12 groups (A–L) of 4 teams. In total, 104 matches across 16 stadiums in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
The top 2 of each group advance, plus the 8 best third-placed teams: 24 + 8 = 32 qualifiers. From there it is straight knockout: round of 32 (R32), round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final on 19 July 2026.
When two or more teams are level, the criteria apply in this order:
Honest note: our table is recalculated with the official regulations; the free data provider does not publish cards, so in extreme ties we flag it.
When the group stage ends, the 12 third-placed teams are compared with each other using the same criteria (points, goal difference, goals scored…). The best 8 advance to the round of 32; the other 4 go home.
Important detail: the knockout bracket is not fixed. The round-of-32 pairings depend on which thirds (from which groups) end up qualifying, following a FIFA allocation table. That is why a team’s full path cannot be drawn until the entire group stage is over.
In the knockout rounds, if the match is level after 90 minutes, an extra time of 2 × 15 minutes is played. If still level, it goes to a penalty shootout.
There is no “golden goal” any more: extra time is played in full even if someone scores.
VAR only reviews four situations: goals (and the plays leading to them), penalties, straight red cards and mistaken identity (card shown to the wrong player).
Semi-automated offside uses tracking cameras and a sensor in the ball to alert the VAR within seconds; the final call still belongs to the referee.