World Cup 2026: Who's in, where to watch, betting odds, schedules and more
The biggest FIFA World Cup ever, with a record 48 teams set to play a record 104 matches spread out across the U. S. , Canada and Mexico, is fast approaching.
The three host nations automatically qualified for the field. Defending champion Argentina is back, and four nations — Cape Verde, Curacao , Jordan and Uzbekistan — will make their World Cup debuts. Here's what to know about the World Cup: Tournament format — All teams are guaranteed three matches in the group stage of the tournament.
Teams have been assigned to 12 different four-team groups. The top two teams from each group are guaranteed to advance, as will the eight best third-place teams. Teams finishing fourth in groups are eliminated.
— The 32 surviving teams after the group stage will enter a single-elimination tournament, with one exception: The teams that lose in the semifinals will advance to a third place match the day before the World Cup final. Tournament sites — Group stage: Atlanta; Foxborough, Massachusetts; Arlington, Texas; Guadalajara, Mexico; Houston; Kansas City; Inglewood, California; Mexico City; Miami Gardens, Florida; Monterrey, Mexico; East Rutherford, New Jersey; Philadelphia; Santa Clara, California; Seattle; Toronto; and Vancouver. — Round of 32: Foxborough, East Rutherford, Inglewood, Toronto, Santa Clara, Seattle, Houston, Arlington, Mexico City, Atlanta, Miami Gardens, Vancouver, Kansas City.
— Round of 16: Vancouver, Atlanta, Mexico City, East Rutherford, Seattle, Arlington, Houston, Philadelphia. — Quarterfinals: Foxborough, Inglewood, Miami Gardens, Kansas City. — Semifinals: Atlanta, Arlington.
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