World Cup 2026 Format and Hosts
The 2026 World Cup is the first under a new, expanded format and the first hosted by three nations. Here is how it is structured, and what the changes mean when you bet.
The 48-team format and three hosts
For the first time the World Cup features 48 teams — up from 32 — co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico across 16 cities, 11 in the US, three in Mexico and two in Canada, from 11 June to 19 July 2026. The 48 sides are drawn into 12 groups of four. The top two from each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, advance to a brand-new round of 32. From there it is straight knockout — round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final — for 104 matches in total, up from 64.
What the expanded format means for betting
More teams means more mismatches in the groups, which is where over/under goals and both teams to score come into their own. The new round of 32 adds an extra knockout stage — more to-qualify markets and more chances for an upset to shake up the World Cup outright odds. And the eight third-placed qualifying spots make the to-qualify market kinder than ever. See the World Cup betting guide for the full markets.
Frequently asked questions
How many teams are at the 2026 World Cup?
Forty-eight, up from 32, drawn into 12 groups of four. The top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams reach a new round of 32.
Where is the 2026 World Cup held?
Co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico across 16 cities — 11 in the US, three in Mexico and two in Canada — from 11 June to 19 July 2026.