Group stage: 12 groups of four
The expanded field creates 12 groups. Each group has four teams, and your bracket starts by predicting the final order in every group from first through fourth.
48 teams, 12 groups, 32 knockout teams
World Cup 2026 format explained
The 2026 tournament format changes the prediction game. More teams, more groups, and a best third-place step mean a good bracket needs more than a quick champion pick.
48 teams in the field
12 groups of four teams
Top two from each group advance
Eight third-place teams also advance
Advancement: top two plus eight third-place teams
The top two teams in every group reach the knockout stage. That creates 24 teams, so eight of the 12 third-place teams also advance to complete the 32-team knockout field.
Knockout stage: Round of 32 to final
After group-stage advancement is set, the tournament becomes single-elimination. WC Predictor lets you fill the Round of 32, Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final.
Common questions
How many teams are in the 2026 tournament?
There are 48 teams in the 2026 format, grouped into 12 groups of four teams each.
How many teams reach the knockout stage?
Thirty-two teams reach the knockout stage: 24 top-two group finishers plus eight third-place teams.
Why do best third-place teams matter?
They decide the final eight knockout spots, so a correct bracket needs to predict more than just each group winner and runner-up.