The 2026 World Cup has introduced a round of 32 for the first time, and the knockout stage is already taking shape after a dramatic group phase. In a tournament expanded to 48 teams, the top two from each of the 16 groups advance to a last-32 bracket, rather than the traditional round of 16. This means more matches, more chances for upsets, and a longer road to the final for the world's top footballing nations.
The basics of the new format are straightforward: 48 teams are divided into 16 groups of three, with the group winners and runners-up progressing to the knockout stage. The round of 32 is then a straight knockout competition, with winners moving on to the round of 16. This replaces the previous system used from 1998 to 2022, where 32 teams competed in eight groups of four, and the top two from each group went straight into a round of 16.
“Explains the new round of 32 format at the 2026 World Cup, including group stage changes and implications for UK teams.”
The decision to expand the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams was approved by FIFA in 2017, with the aim of including more nations and spreading the tournament's global appeal. For 2026, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the change means 16 extra teams get a chance to compete on the world stage. However, it also reduces the number of group games per team from three to two, and increases the total number of matches from 64 to 80.
For UK readers, the expansion matters because it changes the dynamics of England's and Scotland's paths to glory. England qualified comfortably, but now faces a potential extra knockout tie before the quarter-finals. Scotland, who faced Brazil in Group A, are on the brink of elimination after a heavy defeat—a reminder that even with more teams, progress is not guaranteed. The new format also means more World Cup football for fans to watch, with 16 additional games compared to previous tournaments.
Key questions answered:
Q: How does the round of 32 work at the 2026 World Cup? A: The 48 teams are split into 16 groups of three. The group winners and runners-up (32 teams) advance to a knockout round called the last 32. These are single-elimination matches, with winners moving to the round of 16.
Q: What happened in Group B and why does it matter? A: Switzerland beat Canada 2-1 in Vancouver to win Group B, meaning Switzerland stays in Vancouver for the round of 32, while Canada travels to Los Angeles on a short turnaround. Canada's captain Alphonso Davies was an unused substitute, with coach Jesse Marsch admitting he was used as a 'decoy' because he wasn't fully fit.
Q: Which teams have qualified for the round of 32 so far? A: As of 24 June 2026, several teams have secured their spots, including Switzerland as Group B winners. Other groups are still being decided. The full list of qualified teams is updated after each group's final matches.
What happens next: The round of 32 matches will begin shortly after the group stage concludes. Switzerland will play their last-32 tie in Vancouver on 2 July, while Canada must regroup for their fixture in Los Angeles. The tournament will then progress through the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final, scheduled for 19 July 2026. With the expanded format, every match brings new possibilities—and new heartbreaks.