how many teams are going out on the group stages

In the 2026 World Cup, 32 teams advance out of the group stage into the knockout round.

How it works

The tournament now has a round of 32, so the group stage narrows the field from 48 teams down to 32.

Why people are asking

This format includes more knockout spots than the old 32-team World Cup, which is why third-place teams can still qualify in some groups.

TL;DR

• Teams moving on: 32.
• Next stage: Round of 32.
• Format twist: some third-place teams can still advance.