World Cup
The World Cup, explained for new fans
How the tournament actually works โ format, qualifiers, group stage, knockouts, and the things every fan asks about.
2026 Tournament Guide
How the 2026 World Cup actually works
48 teams, 12 groups, a brand-new Round of 32. Quick, snippet-style answers to the questions every fan will ask this summer.
World Cup 2026 Format Explained
The 2026 World Cup has 48 teams in 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group advance, plus the eight best third-place teams, making 32 teams in the knockout round.
Learn more โWorld Cup 2026 Group Stage Rules
Each World Cup 2026 group has 4 teams playing 3 matches each. Win = 3 points, draw = 1, loss = 0. Top 2 teams advance automatically. The 8 best third-place teams also advance.
Learn more โWorld Cup 2026 Tiebreaker Rules Explained
When teams are level on points in the 2026 World Cup group stage, FIFA separates them by: goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head result, head-to-head goal difference, fair play points, then drawing of lots.
Learn more โHow Do the Best Third-Place Teams Work at the World Cup?
At the 2026 World Cup, 8 of the 12 third-place teams advance to the Round of 32. The best third-place teams are ranked by points, then goal difference, goals scored, fair play, and drawing of lots.
Learn more โWorld Cup 2026 Knockout Stage Rules
The 2026 World Cup knockout stage starts with a Round of 32 โ unique to this tournament. One loss and you're out. Tied matches go to extra time, then penalties if still level.
Learn more โHow VAR Works at the World Cup 2026
VAR is used at the 2026 World Cup for goals, penalty decisions, direct red cards, and mistaken identity. Semi-automated offside technology is also used for faster, more accurate offside calls.
Learn more โWorld Cup 2026 Yellow Card Suspension Rules
At the 2026 World Cup, two yellow cards in the group stage or Round of 32 result in a one-match suspension. Yellow cards are wiped before the quarter-finals.
Learn more โWorld Cup Extra Time and Penalty Shootout Rules
If a World Cup knockout match is tied after 90 minutes, teams play 30 minutes of extra time. If still level, a penalty shootout decides the winner. There is no golden goal.
Learn more โ
All World Cup lessons
Extra time vs stoppage time โ what is the difference?
They're not the same โ here's the difference in 30 seconds.
Learn fast โ