how many teams play the first rounds of fifa world cup

For the first rounds of the FIFA World Cup 2026, 48 teams play in the group stage, split into 12 groups of four, and each team plays three matches there.

Format

• 48 teams enter the tournament.

• They are divided into 12 groups of 4.

• Each team plays 3 group-stage matches in the first round.

• After that, 32 teams move on to the knockout stage.

Quick answer

If you mean the opening stage before knockouts, the answer is 48 teams total, with 32 advancing after the first rounds.