CORNERFLICK
12 groups, A to L.
The expanded 48-team format splits into 12 groups of four — every section, its teams, and the route to the Round of 32.
12 groups · 48 teams12
Groups, A–L
48
Teams
72
Group matches
32
Reach the Round of 32
Jun 11–27
Group stage
Group strength
Ranked by the average FIFA ranking of each group's four teams — the toughest draw is the “Group of Death”.
All 12 groups
How teams advance
Top 2
The winner and runner-up of every group go straight through — 24 teams.
8 best 3rds
The eight best third-placed teams of twelve fill the Round of 32.
Round of 32
Winners are seeded against third-placed teams; runners-up meet each other.
See the bracket →World Cup 2026 groups — FAQ
How do the groups work at the 2026 World Cup?
The 48 teams are split into 12 groups of four, labelled A to L. Each side plays the other three in its group once, and the group stage runs from 11 to 27 June 2026 to decide who reaches the Round of 32.
How many teams qualify from each group?
The top two of every group advance automatically — 24 teams. The eight best third-placed sides across all 12 groups join them, making up the 32 teams in the expanded Round of 32 knockout stage.
What is the Group of Death at the 2026 World Cup?
The "Group of Death" is the toughest section on paper — the group with the strongest combined field by FIFA ranking. With 48 teams across 12 groups, several sections pack more than one contender, so qualification is far from guaranteed.
When was the 2026 World Cup group draw?
The final draw took place on 5 December 2025 in Washington, D.C., sorting the 48 qualified nations into the 12 groups. Teams were seeded into four pots based on the FIFA World Ranking, with the three hosts pre-assigned.