FIFA World Cup 2026 Format Explained: How 48 Teams Work

48 teams in 12 groups of 4; top 2 plus 8 best third-placed sides reach a new Round of 32

104 matches over 39 days across USA, Mexico and Canada, June 11 to July 19, 2026

Mexico opens at the Estadio Azteca on June 11 — 12:30 AM IST on June 12 for Indian viewers

Most matches land late night to early morning IST; West Coast US games are the toughest watch

32 of 48 teams survive the group stage, so the opening round is less brutal than 1998-2022 editions