The World Cup group stage has 48 teams total in the 2026 format, split into 12 groups of 4 teams each.

Quick Scoop

That means each group stage group contains 4 teams , and every team plays three matches in the group stage.

Format snapshot

  • Total teams in group stage: 48.
  • Groups: 12.
  • Teams per group: 4.
  • Teams advancing to knockouts: 32.

In plain terms

If you’re asking how many teams are in a single World Cup group, the answer is 4. If you’re asking how many teams take part in the group stage overall, the answer is 48.

[10][2] [4][2]
Question Answer
Teams per group 4
Total teams in group stage 48
The group stage format is part of the expanded 2026 World Cup, which uses 12 groups of four instead of the older 32-team setup.