How does World Cup 2026 work? (The new 48-team format explained)
WorldCupExplained 編集チーム2024-01-15 更新
要約
World Cup 2026 expands to 48 teams in 12 groups of 4. The top 2 from each group plus 8 best third-placed teams advance to a 32-team knockout round. More games, more upsets, more drama.
重要な事実
- 148 teams will compete, up from 32 in previous tournaments[1]
- 2Teams are divided into 12 groups of 4 teams each[1]
- 3The tournament will be hosted across USA, Canada, and Mexico[2]
- 4104 total matches will be played, compared to 64 in the 32-team format[1]
The Biggest World Cup Ever
World Cup 2026 marks the biggest expansion in the tournament's history. Here's everything you need to know about the new format.
Group Stage (48 teams → 32)
- Each team plays 3 matches
- Top 2 from each group automatically advance (24 teams)
- Best 8 third-placed teams also advance (8 teams)
- Total of 32 teams reach the knockout rounds
Knockout Rounds
- Round of 32 (32 teams)
- Round of 16 (16 teams)
- Quarter-finals (8 teams)
- Semi-finals (4 teams)
- Third-place match
- Final
Host Cities
- **USA**: 11 venues (including the Final)
- **Mexico**: 3 venues
- **Canada**: 2 venues
Key Changes from 2022
| 2022 (Qatar) | 2026 (North America) |
|---|---|
| 32 teams | 48 teams |
| 8 groups of 4 | 12 groups of 4 |
| 64 matches | 104 matches |
| 1 host country | 3 host countries |
NFL/NBAを知っているなら...
Think of it like the NFL expanding the playoffs. More teams means more chances for upsets, more "Cinderella" stories, and longer tournament overall. Just like how the NFL's expanded wild card round created more exciting first-round matchups, expect World Cup 2026 to deliver more dramatic moments.
出典と参考文献
- FIFA - World Cup 2026 Format(2024-01-15 閲覧)
- FIFA - Host Cities Announcement(2024-01-15 閲覧)