World Cup
The World Cup, explained for new fans
How the tournament actually works — format, qualifiers, group stage, knockouts, and the things every fan asks about.
All World Cup articles
Extra time vs stoppage time — what is the difference?
Stoppage time is the few minutes added at the end of each half to make up for time lost during play — every match has it. Extra time is two extra 15-minute halves played only in knockout matches that are still tied after 90 minutes plus stoppage time.
Read article →How do teams advance in the World Cup?
At the 2026 World Cup, 32 teams advance from the group stage to the knockout round. The top 2 from each of the 12 groups go through (24 teams), plus the 8 best third-place teams across all groups. From the Round of 32 onward, it's single-elimination.
Read article →How does the World Cup group stage work?
At the 2026 World Cup, 48 teams are split into 12 groups of 4. Each team plays the other three in their group, earning 3 points for a win and 1 for a draw. The top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advance to the Round of 32.
Read article →How does the World Cup knockout stage work?
After the group stage, the 2026 World Cup goes into a 32-team single-elimination knockout bracket. Win and you advance, lose and you're out. If a knockout match is tied after 90 minutes, it goes to extra time, and then to penalties if still level.
Read article →How are World Cup group stage tiebreakers decided?
If two or more teams finish the World Cup group stage on the same points, the order goes: goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head points, head-to-head goal difference, head-to-head goals, fair play points, then drawing of lots. The first criterion to break the tie wins.
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