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How the first 48-team World Cup worked — groups, knockout rounds, tiebreakers and key dates. The same format returns in 2030.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was the first edition with 48 teams. Twelve groups of four played a single round-robin; the top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advanced, and for the first time the knockout stage began with a Round of 32. Spain won it, beating Argentina 1–0 after extra time in the final.
48 teams split into 12 groups (A–L) of four. Each team played the other three teams in its group once. Wins were 3 points, draws 1, losses 0.
32 teams advanced: the top two from every group, plus the eight best third-placed teams. From there it was straight knockout: Round of 32 → Round of 16 → Quarter-finals → Semi-finals → Third-place playoff → Final at MetLife Stadium in New York / New Jersey.
When teams are level on points: goal difference → goals scored → head-to-head points → head-to-head goal difference → head-to-head goals scored → fair-play record → drawing of lots.