The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature a new format with 48 teams, up from 32. This expansion introduces a round of 32 (seizièmes de finale) after the group stage, where the top two from each of the 16 groups advance, along with the best third-placed teams from each group, totaling 32 teams for the knockout phase.
FIFA has confirmed several referee innovations for the tournament, including the use of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) and a new in-stadium video assistant referee (VAR) announcement system, where referees will explain key decisions to the crowd via microphone, similar to trials in other competitions. Additionally, a 'referee's camera' will be worn by officials to provide unique broadcast angles.
The group stage will consist of 16 groups of three teams each, a change from the traditional four-team groups. This format ensures each team plays at least two matches, with the top two from each group and the best third-placed teams progressing. The exact calculation for the best third-placed teams will be based on points, goal difference, goals scored, and disciplinary records.
