The Copa of the 2026 Mundo will be contested by 48 teams for the first time in history. The tournament takes place in three countries: Canadá, Estados Unidos and México. The competition will have 104 matches in total and last 39 days.
The increase in participants creates a new knockout phase right after the groups. The champion will need to win eight games to lift the cup. The headquarters are distributed in 16 different cities.
- 12 groups with four teams each
- Two first and eight best thirds advance
- Host countries already positioned as seeded
Division of groups and classification
The 48 teams form 12 groups of four teams. The first two placed in each group guarantee a direct place in the next phase. The eight best third-placed teams also qualify.
This rule increases the number of teams in the knockout stages to 32. The system maintains balance between geographic regions. Fifa has defined fixed positions for Canadá, México and Estados Unidos.
Hosts occupy pre-determined groups. México is in Grupo A, Canadá in B and Estados Unidos in D. Essa measurement facilitates logistical organization.
Complete knockout structure
The path to the title requires eight matches for the champion. The novelty is the round of 16 as the first knockout stage. Depois The round of 16, quarterfinals, semi-finals and final follow.
Teams that fall in the semifinals also play eight games. The third place decision remains on the calendar. Equipes from the same group do not face each other in the 16th round.
In case of a tie in normal time, there is a 30-minute extension. Persistindo equality, the definition goes to penalties. The regulation maintains the traditional format in these situations.
The four best ranked occupy opposite brackets. Espanha, Argentina, França and Inglaterra alternate on sides A and B. Essa distribution avoids early clashes between favorites.
Headquarters distributed across three regions
The tournament uses 16 cities in three different countries. Canadá hosts games in two venues, México in three and Estados Unidos in 11. The division considers regions Oeste, Central and Leste from
All stadiums will have natural grass with standard measurements of 105 by 68 meters. Fifa plans vertical displacements to reduce long journeys in the initial phase. The objective is to minimize selection wear.
The opening takes place at Estádio Azteca, at Cidade of México. The final is scheduled for MetLife Stadium, in Nova Jersey. Miami receives the third place match at Hard Rock Stadium.
Technical tiebreaker criteria
In the group stage, a victory is worth three points and a draw is worth one point. The first tiebreaker criterion is direct confrontation. Depois includes goal difference and goals scored.
To define the eight best third parties, points earned, goal difference and pro goals are worth. Cartões yellow and red only count as a last resort. The Fifa ranking serves as final criteria when necessary.
These rules follow standards already applied in previous editions. The difference appears in the greater number of teams involved. The system maintains objectivity in the classification.
Official tournament schedule
The first game takes place on June 11, 2026 on Estádio Azteca. The group stage ends on June 27th. The round of 16 takes place between June 28th and July 3rd.
The round of 16 runs from July 4th to 7th, quarterfinals from July 9th to 11th and semi-finals on July 14th and 15th. The third place match will be on July 18th. The grand finale is scheduled for July 19th at MetLife Stadium.
Teams will have at least three days of rest between matches. Exceção made between semi-final and third place. Clubes must release players from May 25, 2026.
Suspension and summons rules
Two yellow cards in different games generate automatic suspension. Cartões isolated from the group stage do not advance to the knockout stages. Cartão red implies compliance in subsequent phases.
Each selection calls up 26 players, with three goalkeepers being mandatory. Provisional Lista varies between 35 and 55 names. Substituição due to injury only up to 24 hours before the premiere.
These measures update standards from the latest editions. The increase in athletes per delegation follows the expanded format. Fifa maintains strict control over deadlines and replacements.