The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition to feature 48 teams, expanded from the 32-team format used since 1998. The field is drawn from all six FIFA confederations: UEFA (Europe, 16 places), CONMEBOL (South America, 6), CONCACAF (North and Central America, 6), CAF (Africa, 9), AFC (Asia, 8), and OFC (Oceania, 1), with the three co-host nations qualifying automatically regardless of confederation allocation.
The 48 qualified nations are divided into 12 groups of four for the group stage. Each team plays three group matches, and the top two finishers from each group — plus the eight best third-placed sides — advance to a 32-team knockout bracket. The tournament runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
48 teams compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup — the largest field in World Cup history, up from 32 teams at previous editions.
The 48 teams are split into 12 groups of four. The top two from each group and the eight best third-placed sides advance to the round of 32.
UEFA (Europe) has the largest allocation with 16 places, reflecting the depth of European football at international level.
The United States, Canada, and Mexico all qualify automatically as co-hosts and are included in the 48-team field.
Most confederation qualifying campaigns concluded by late 2025, with intercontinental play-offs determining the final spots in the 48-team field.