The 2026 World Cup is finally upon us, and while it marks the 23rd edition of the global tournament that takes place every four years, this edition of the event is unlike any of its predecessors.For starters, the 2026 World Cup marks the first time that the event has been co-hosted by three separate countries, with the United States, Canada and Mexico sharing honors.The widely spread-out host sites across North America aren't the only unique factors, however.The 2026 World Cup will also feature an expanded field of teams, going from the traditional 32-team field to 48.
With the addition of 16 teams also comes modified Group Stage play, ways to advance and tiebreaker scenarios that will be worth closely monitoring throughout the tournament.Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Pedri Gonzalez, Victor Munoz, David Raya and Martin Zubimendi of Spain look on during the friendly international match between Spain and Iraq at Abanca Balaidos stadium on June 04, 2026, in A Coruna, Spain.(Photo By Irina R.
Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images) (Irina R.Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images)The top two teams from each of the 12 four-team groups will advance to the knockout stage.
During the round-robin Group Stage, teams are awarded three points for a win, one point for a draw and zero points for a loss.This is the same format we've seen in previous World Cups, albeit with 24 teams automatically advancing from the Group Stage rather than 16.The main difference is that there will be an additional round of knockout matches, as the eight best third-place teams from the group stage will also advance.
This turns the traditional Round of 16 into the Round of 32 as the first set of matches of the knockout round.WORLD CUP PLAYERS WHO COVER THEIR MOUTHS DURING CONFRONTATIONS COULD GET RED CARDSErling Haaland #9 of Norway in action against Morocco during the international friendly match at Sports Illustrated Stadium on June 7, 2026 in Harrison, New Jersey.(Photo by Vincent Carchietta/Get...