World Cup 2026 groups & how teams qualify
The 48 teams are drawn into 12 groups of four (A–L). Each team plays three group matches, and 32 of the 48 advance to the knockout stage.
Who advances from each group?
The top two teams in every group qualify automatically — 24 teams in total. The remaining eight knockout places go to the eight best third-placed teams ranked across all 12 groups. That makes 32 teams for the new Round of 32.
You can watch the live standings — including each team's qualification or third-place position — on the World Cup 2026 table.
How are the third-placed teams ranked?
The 12 third-placed teams are compared by their full group record: points first, then goal difference, then goals scored. The top eight go through; the bottom four are eliminated.
How are tied teams separated in a group?
If two or more teams finish level on points, FIFA applies these tiebreakers in order:
- Goal difference in all group matches
- Goals scored in all group matches
- Points in the matches between the tied teams
- Goal difference in the matches between the tied teams
- Goals scored in the matches between the tied teams
- Fair-play points (fewer yellow and red cards)
- Drawing of lots by FIFA
New to the terms? The football glossary explains goal difference, points and more.
The World Cup 2026, live right now
This section updates automatically from LiveGoal's live data — see the full World Cup 2026 table, fixtures and results.
Next fixtures
- South Korea vs Czechia — 12 Jun, 02:00 UTC
- Canada vs Bosnia-Herzegovina — 12 Jun, 19:00 UTC
- United States vs Paraguay — 13 Jun, 01:00 UTC
- Qatar vs Switzerland — 13 Jun, 19:00 UTC
- Brazil vs Morocco — 13 Jun, 22:00 UTC
- Haiti vs Scotland — 14 Jun, 01:00 UTC
Group leaders
| Group | Leader | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | Mexico | 3 |
| Group B | Bosnia-Herzegovina | 0 |
| Group C | Brazil | 0 |
| Group D | Australia | 0 |
| Group E | Curaçao | 0 |
| Group F | Japan | 0 |
| Group G | Egypt | 0 |
| Group H | Cape Verde Islands | 0 |
| Group I | France | 0 |
| Group J | Algeria | 0 |
| Group K | Congo DR | 0 |
| Group L | England | 0 |
Standings updated 21:22, 11 Jun 2026 UTC.
What comes after the groups?
The 32 qualifiers enter a single-elimination bracket. See the knockout bracket explainer, or read the full 2026 World Cup format.