Photo by Wikimedia Commons 2.0
The prospect of a World Cup looming always dominates the football and wider sporting calendar but the 2026 incarnation of the tournament, promises to break new ground.
Hosted across three countries for the first time, with Canada, Mexico and the United States all showcasing matches, the competition has expanded to 48 countries for the very first time.
For purists, this presents questions as to how the tournament will play out and with a whole host of debutants and new names, there promises to be some very unusual matches in prospect at the 2206 FIFA World Cup.
This should present plenty of opportunity for punters and World Cup betting sites to offer specialist World Cup promotions and most sportsbooks will be serving up an array of free World Cup bets.
With the World Cup landscape set to change, here is a look at how the new format works and what will be new at the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
48 Teams
The global pull of international football seemingly knows no bounds and the expansion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been seen as a broadly positive move by the game’s governing body.
Transitioning from 32 to 48 teams reaching the finals through qualification, has effectively added another layer of competition, in comparison to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Knockout Rounds
Historically, teams have had to navigate a group stage (playing three matches), before progressing to the last 16 – as one of the top two finishers in said group.
From there, the knockout rounds play out (last 16, quarter-final, semi-final and final), with the pressure cooker environment of a World Cup continuing to heighten.
The key change with the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the addition of one extra round.
All 48 teams have been split into 12 groups of four teams, with the top two finishers in each group progressing to the knockout rounds.
One of the key changes for the 2026 World Cup is that the eight best third placed teams in each group, will also progress to the last 32, which is an extra layer of knockout round that each team needs to play.
Meaning the top two sides in each of the 12 groups (totalling 24) and the best eight placed finishers, will compile the final 32 teams in the knockout rounds, with 16 being eliminated.
The pros and cons here are balanced, with more FIFA World Cup 2026 betting opportunities for gamblers, with more matches taking place across the tournament. However, there is increased jeopardy for teams, as they have to play an extra fixture and fatigue could play a part in things as the tournament progresses.
Here is a rundown of each 2026 World Cup group:
Group A – Mexico, South Africa, South Korea & Czech Republic
Shared hosts Mexico will be looking to progress to the knockout rounds, as they play all three games in front of their home fans, while South Korea will be looking to continue their good recent form in major tournaments. Czech Republic were made to work to come through UEFA qualifying, while South Africa are playing at their first World Cup since they hosted the tournament in 2010.
Group B – Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Qatar & Switzerland
Canada will also be looking to make the most of their hosting platform, as they take on two European sides hoping to cause a stir in Bosnia & Herzegovina and Switzerland. Qatar made their debut in hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup and they have built upon that with qualification here.
Group C – Brazil, Haiti, Scotland & Morocco
Five time winners Brazil are the stand out pick in Group C, while 2022 semi-finalists and AFCON winners Morocco could be out to cause a shock once again. Scotland will be bringing their Tartan Army to their first World Cup since 1998, while Haiti will be looking to make a name for themselves on World Cup debut.
Group D – United States, Paraguay, Australia & Turkey
Eleven stadiums across the USA will be hosting 2026 FIFA World Cup matches and the home nation will have plenty of expectation upon them in Group D. Australia continue to qualify with ease for major tournaments, while Paraguay and Turkey have come through rigorous qualifying rounds in South America and Europe respectively.
Group E – Germany, Curacao, Ecuador & Ivory Coast
The presence of Germany in Group E catches the eye, as they chase their first major title since 2014, while World Cup debutants Curacao feel like the real unknown quantity. Ecuador are an emerging nation in South American football, while Ivory Coast always fly the flag impressively for African football.
Group F – Netherlands, Japan, Sweden & Tunisia
2010 World Cup finalists the Netherlands feel as if they are on the cusp of something special, with this current generation and they and Sweden will be looking to deliver for the UEFA contingent. Japan have been mightily impressive in the build up to the World Cup, while Tunisia are a very organised outfit.
Group G – Belgium, Iran, New Zealand & Egypt
A real mix of sides are set to do battle in Group G, with Belgium looking to finally step up and be counted at a major tournament. Iran will be looking to break new ground in reaching the last 32, as will New Zealand. Egypt remain one of the biggest forces in African football and they will be eager to impress in their first World Cup showing since 2018.
Group H – Spain, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde & Uruguay
European champions Spain have a side packed with talent and start amongst the favourites for the title with many of the best World Cup 2026 betting sites, while two-time winners Uruguay are always tough to stop. Saudi Arabia will be looking to build on a good showing in Qatar in 2022, whilst Cape Verde are set to become one of the smallest nations to make the World Cup ever.
Group I – France, Senegal, Iraq & Norway
2022 finalists France will be desperate to go one better this time around and they share a group with Senegal, the side that famously beat them in 2002. Iraq will be looking to showcase their talents, in their first World Cup since 1986, while Norway and Erling Haaland will have plenty of attention on them, as they play in their first World Cup since 1998.
Group J – Argentina, Algeria, Austria & Jordan
Holders Argentina will be looking for serene progress from Group J, but they look to face a tricky selection of sides. Austria are one of the more organised outfits in European football, Algeria continue to punch above their weight in African competition and Jordan are making their World Cup debut.
Group K – Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan & Colombia
Cristiano Ronaldo’s last World Cup begins in Group K for Portugal, who look to be the strong favourites to reach the last 32. Both DR Congo and Uzbekistan are making their first appearances at a World Cup proper, while Colombia will be eager to channel the spirit of 2014 and be a surprise package once more.
Group L – England, Croatia, Ghana & Panama
Thomas Tuchel’s England have a tricky looking group to navigate, with perennial overachievers Croatia the obvious threat in terms of progression. Ghana are dealing with off-field uncertainty but remain a very experienced side, while Panama will be out for revenge, following their heavy loss to England in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
