The 2026 World Cup, explained
Everything you need to understand and predict the first 48-team World Cup — the new format, the host cities, the rules that decide who goes through, and how to build a bracket that beats your friends.
How the 2026 World Cup format works
The 2026 World Cup is the first with 48 teams, 12 groups and a new Round of 32. Here is exactly how the tournament is structured, from the group draw to the final.
Read guideEvery 2026 World Cup host city and stadium
All 16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico — with the stadium that hosts each, and where the opening match and final are played.
Read guideGroup standings and tiebreakers, explained
How World Cup 2026 group tables are decided — points, goal difference, head-to-head — and how the eight best third-placed teams are ranked for the Round of 32.
Read guideHow to fill out a World Cup bracket that wins your pool
Practical tips for predicting the 2026 World Cup: balancing favourites and upsets, using goal difference, and avoiding the mistakes that sink most bracket pools.
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