The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the biggest in history — 48 teams, 12 groups and 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico, running from 11 June to 19 July 2026. Here is everything you need: the format, the favourites, the standout stories and TACTIX's group-by-group predictions.
How World Cup 2026 Works
The first 48-team World Cup: 12 groups of four. The top two from every group plus the eight best third-placed teams advance to a new Round of 32, then it is straight knockout to the final on 19 July 2026.
The 12 Groups at a Glance
Group A: Mexico, South Korea, Czech Republic and South Africa.
TACTIX tip to qualify: Mexico & South Korea.
Group B: Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar.
TACTIX tip to qualify: Switzerland & Canada.
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland and Haiti.
TACTIX tip to qualify: Brazil & Morocco.
Group D: United States, Türkiye, Paraguay and Australia.
TACTIX tip to qualify: United States & Türkiye.
Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curaçao.
TACTIX tip to qualify: Germany & Ecuador.
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia.
TACTIX tip to qualify: Netherlands & Japan.
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand.
TACTIX tip to qualify: Belgium & Egypt.
Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia.
TACTIX tip to qualify: Spain & Uruguay.
Group I: France, Senegal, Norway and Iraq.
TACTIX tip to qualify: France & Senegal.
Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria and Jordan.
TACTIX tip to qualify: Argentina & Austria.
Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan and DR Congo.
TACTIX tip to qualify: Portugal & Colombia.
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
TACTIX tip to qualify: England & Croatia.
Who Are the Favourites?
World No. 1 and reigning European champions Spain start as many neutrals' favourites, alongside world champions Argentina, France and England — the four top seeds, deliberately kept in separate halves of the bracket so they can only meet in the semi-finals or final. Brazil, Portugal and the Netherlands are the leading dark horses.
Six Storylines to Watch
- The largest World Cup ever — 48 teams, 104 matches, three host nations for the first time.
- Italy miss out again, failing to qualify for a third straight tournament.
- Norway return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, with Erling Haaland finally on the biggest stage.
- Likely farewells: Lionel Messi (38) and Cristiano Ronaldo (41) at probably their last World Cups.
- Debutants light up the field: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan all reach a first ever World Cup.
- Reigning European champions Spain top the FIFA ranking and start as many neutrals' favourites.
World Cup 2026 FAQs
When is the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
48 teams — the first 48-team World Cup — split into 12 groups of four.
Who is favourite to win the 2026 World Cup?
Reigning European champions and world No. 1 Spain are among the favourites, alongside holders Argentina, France and England.
How do teams qualify from the groups?
The top two from each group reach the Round of 32, plus the eight best third-placed teams.
18+. TACTIX previews and predicted standings are editorial analysis — not betting advice or guarantees. Please gamble responsibly — support at BeGambleAware.org.
This post is generated from TACTIX’s match data by our software and checked automatically. How it works →
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