For the first time in World Cup history, England have to win an extra knockout match just to reach the round of 16. That's because FIFA expanded the tournament from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 edition, creating a new round of 32 that adds drama, risk and opportunity. The Three Lions now face DR Congo in that round after topping Group L, a fixture that would not have existed under the old format.
What is happening? The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, is the first to feature 48 national teams, up from 32. The group stage still has eight groups of four or six groups of four? Actually, the format: 16 groups of 3? No, sources say 48 teams, groups of 3? Wait, source 3 says "eight best third-placed teams also reaching the round of 32" implying groups of 4? Let's check: source 1 says South Africa in knockout for first time, source 4 says round of 32 kicks off with South Africa vs Canada. The format: 48 teams, 16 groups of 3? Or 12 groups of 4? Standard World Cup 2026 format is 12 groups of 4, top 2 and 8 best third-placed advance to round of 32. But source 3 says "eight best third-placed teams" which matches 12 groups of 4 (12 group winners + 12 runners-up + 8 best third = 32). So groups of 4, 12 groups. That makes sense. So round of 32 is new.
“Explains the new 48-team format and round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, and what it means for England and fans.”
Background: The World Cup had 32 teams from 1998 to 2022. FIFA's decision to expand to 48 was controversial, with critics arguing it dilutes quality and adds fixture congestion. For England, it means an extra game if they win their group. Historically, South Africa hosted the first African World Cup in 2010 but became the first host to fail to reach the knockout stage, eliminated on goal difference. That failure contributed to a "dormant" domestic football scene, according to journalist Mark Gleeson, with few sponsors and little money. South Africa's return to the World Cup this year marks a revival, bolstered by Mamelodi Sundowns winning the African Champions League in 2024 and Hugo Broos rebuilding the national team.
Why it matters for UK readers: England now face a potential banana skin against DR Congo in the round of 32, adding a layer of unpredictability. Manager Thomas Tuchel called it a "new chapter". The expanded format also means more matches for star players, raising injury risks. For fans, it means more knockout football, but also potential for early exits against lower-ranked opponents.
Q: How does the new 48-team World Cup format work? The tournament has 12 groups of 4 teams. The group winners and runners-up (24 teams) plus the 8 best third-placed teams advance to a new round of 32, which replaces the traditional straight leap to the round of 16. From there, it's a standard knockout bracket.
Q: Why did FIFA expand the World Cup to 48 teams? FIFA aimed to include more nations from Africa, Asia and North America, increasing global representation and revenue. Critics argue it stretches the talent pool and adds fixture congestion.
Q: How does the extra round affect England? England, as group winners, now play DR Congo in the round of 32 instead of automatically advancing to the round of 16. This adds an extra match that increases physical demand and the risk of upset. Thomas Tuchel said the tournament "starts new again" after the group stage.
What happens next? The round of 32 kicks off with South Africa vs Canada on Sunday in Los Angeles. Both are knockout debutants: South Africa aiming to lay ghosts of 2010 to rest, Canada hoping Alphonso Davies can return from an ACL tear suffered at the same stadium. England face DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday. The expanded format means 16 round of 32 games over four days, with the winners moving to the round of 16.