World Cup 2026 Groups
The group stage draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has not yet been conducted. Here is everything we know about the format, process, and when the draw will take place.
Draw Date TBC
The official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has not yet been scheduled by FIFA. It will take place once all 48 qualified teams are confirmed following the conclusion of qualifying matches and inter-confederation play-offs in early 2026. The draw ceremony is expected to be held in one of the three host nations.
Tournament Format
12 Groups of 4 Teams
The 48 qualified teams are divided into 12 groups of 4. Each team plays every other team in its group once.
32 Teams Advance
Group winners and runners-up qualify automatically (24 teams). They are joined by the 8 best third-placed teams across all groups.
New Round of 32
For the first time, the knockout stage begins with a Round of 32, followed by the traditional Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.
Seeding & Draw Process
FIFA will seed teams based on the FIFA World Rankings at the time of the draw. The 48 teams are divided into four pots of 12. Each group is drawn containing one team from each pot. Host nations (USA, Canada, Mexico) are allocated to specific groups to ensure they play their group matches at home.