How many games in world cup group stage

The World Cup group stage has 72 games in the 2026 tournament, with 12 groups of 4 teams playing 6 matches each.

Quick Scoop

• Each team plays 3 group-stage matches.
• Each group has 6 matches total.
• 12 groups × 6 matches = 72 games.

Simple example

If you’re thinking in the older 32-team format, that was 48 group-stage games. The expanded 48-team format in 2026 increases the group stage to 72 games.