Regulation 2026

Competition format – FIFA World Cup 2026

The final stage of the 2026 World Cup is divided into two parts: the group stage and the knockout stage. The knockout stage is played over five rounds: Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and the Final.

Group stage

A total of 48 national teams will be drawn into 12 groups of 4 teams. Each group is played in a round-robin format, with the standard points system:

• Win: 3 points
• Draw: 1 point
• Loss: 0 points

For sporting integrity, the final matchday of each group must be played on the same day at the same kick-off time.

Advancing to the knockout stage

• The top two teams in each group (24 teams)
• The eight best third-placed teams (ranked via an overall table with points and tie-breakers)

Tie-breakers (group stage)

If two or more teams are level, the following criteria are applied in order:

1. Most points obtained in group matches between the teams concerned.
2. Superior goal difference in group matches between the teams concerned.
3. Most goals scored in group matches between the teams concerned.
4. Superior goal difference in all group matches.
5. Most goals scored in all group matches.
6. Best disciplinary record (players and staff): Yellow card: −1; Indirect red (second yellow): −3; Direct red: −4; Yellow + direct red: −5.
7. Higher position in the most recent FIFA World Ranking.
8. If still tied, higher position in the previous FIFA World Ranking edition(s), working backwards until a decision is reached.

Knockout stage

The bracket is split into two routes defined by the match calendar, prioritizing shorter travel distances and adequate rest periods.

• If a knockout match ends level: extra time is played (two 15-minute halves).
• If still level, the winner is decided by a penalty shoot-out, in accordance with the Laws of the Game.