The 48-team World Cup: explained

When Ecuador's Gonzalo Plata scored the winner against Germany in the 2026 World Cup, the two sides were playing in a group of four – but thanks to the tournament's new format, Ecuador's 2-1 victory meant they advanced to the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. This is the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, a significant expansion from the 32-team format used since 1998. The change, approved by FIFA in 2017, increases the number of matches from 64 to 104 and introduces a round of 32 for the first time since 1986. Under the new system, the 48 teams are split into 16 groups of three – not four – with the top two from each group advancing automatically. That leaves 32 teams in the knockout stage, but because groups have only three teams, the eight best third-placed teams also qualify, making Ecuador's victory over Germany crucial. Ecuador's manager Sebastián Beccacece had said he would step down if they failed to reach the knockout stages, and the team's record in qualifying was mixed: they began the 2026 qualifiers under Félix Sánchez, who was sacked after a Copa América defeat in July 2024. Beccacece's reign started with a 1-0 loss to Brazil, but they went unbeaten for 11 matches to qualify as South American runners-up. The expanded format means more teams get a taste of knockout football, but it also creates complex qualification scenarios. For Scottish fans, Ecuador's win was a blow: Scotland's chances of reaching the knockout stages dropped from 42% to 5.6% because they needed other results to go their way. The 48-team format has been criticised for diluting the quality of the group stage and for the inequality of groups of three, where one team rests while two play. But it also gives smaller nations a realistic shot at progression – Ecuador, for instance, are only in the knockout stages for the second time in their history. For UK viewers, the format means more matches to watch but also more confusion over who qualifies and when. The round of 32 has already produced surprises, with Germany losing to Ecuador and the United States losing 3-2 to Turkey but still topping their group. Q: How does the 48-team World Cup work? The tournament begins with 48 teams divided into 16 groups of three. Each team plays two group matches. The top two from each group (32 teams) advance directly, and the eight best third-placed teams also go through, making a round of 32. Q: Why did Ecuador's win affect Scotland? Scotland were relying on results elsewhere to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Ecuador's victory over Germany meant Germany finished third in their group and took one of those spots, reducing Scotland's chances to just 5.6%. Q: What happens next in the 2026 World Cup? The round of 32 matches are now being confirmed. Ecuador will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent. The knockout stage continues with a round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final. The full schedule and matchups will be updated as groups finish.