The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is done. All 12 groups have played their final matches, and the Round of 32 bracket is now set.
This is the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The expanded format means 12 groups of four, with the top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advancing. That’s 32 teams moving on, up from 16 in previous tournaments.
The new format, explained
Group stage matches wrapped up around June 27, with the knockout rounds kicking off June 28. The tournament builds toward its crescendo at New York New Jersey Stadium, where the final is scheduled for July 19.
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