Expanded 2026 World Cup to feature 48 teams and new last-32 stage

The format for the 48-team tournament was approved at a meeting of the FIFA Council in Rwanda on Tuesday.

The next men’s World Cup in 2026 will feature a last 32 knockout round for the first time (Mike Egerton/PA)

The 2026 World Cup will feature 12 four-team groups and a last-32 knockout round for the first time.

The format for the 48-team tournament, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, was approved at a meeting of the FIFA Council in Kigali, Rwanda on Tuesday.