FIFA World CupSchedule

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition expanded from 32 to 48 teams, held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The 48 teams are divided into 12 groups of 4 teams each, playing a single round-robin format. The top 2 teams from each group and the 8 best third-placed teams advance to the Round of 32.
The knockout stage (Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, Third-place match, and Final) is single-elimination. If tied after 90 minutes of regulation, 30 minutes of extra time will be played, followed by a penalty shoot-out if still level.

Group Stage Tie-breaking Criteria:
If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points, the following criteria are applied in order to determine rankings:
a) Points obtained in matches between the teams concerned;
b) Superior goal difference in matches between the teams concerned;
c) Higher number of goals scored in matches between the teams concerned.

If teams are still level after applying criteria a) to c), the following criteria d) to f) apply:
d) Superior goal difference in all group matches;
e) Higher number of goals scored in all group matches;
f) Team Fair Play conduct points (based on yellow and red cards received by players and team officials):
- Yellow card: -1 point
- Indirect red card (second yellow): -3 points
- Direct red card: -4 points
- Yellow card and direct red card: -5 points
g) Latest FIFA Men's World Ranking.

If still tied after all criteria, rankings are determined by drawing of lots by the FIFA Organizing Committee.

Ranking of Best Third-Placed Teams:
a) Highest points in all group matches;
b) Superior goal difference in all group matches;
c) Highest goals scored in all group matches;
d) Higher Fair Play conduct points in all group matches;
e) Latest FIFA Men's World Ranking;
f) Successive previous editions of FIFA World Ranking until resolved.