2026 World Cup: how the new format works

The 2026 World Cup started on June 11 with a new format featuring 48 teams. Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match. The new format includes 12 groups of 4, with the top two and eight best third-placed teams advancing to an extra round of 32. A total of 104 matches are scheduled over 38 days. Four countries (Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, Uzbekistan) are participating for the first time.