You've probably heard the rumors, or maybe you saw the chaotic social media threads after the draw at the Kennedy Center. The 2026 World Cup isn't just bigger; it’s basically a different beast entirely. We are moving from the cozy 32-team setup we’ve known since '98 to a massive 48-team sprawl across North America.
It’s a lot to take in.
Honestly, the biggest question everyone is asking is: who plays who in the world cup? With 12 groups instead of eight and a brand-new knockout round, the math gets weird fast. But don't worry. I’ve spent the last few days digging through the FIFA schedules and the complex "pathway" rules to figure out exactly how this is going to look on your TV screen.
The Group Stage: 12 Groups of Chaos
The old "Round of 16" path is dead. Now, we have a Round of 32. This means the group stage is just the appetizer. FIFA decided to stick with groups of four (thankfully, because groups of three sounded like a disaster), which means 12 groups total.
The top two from every group go through. That's 24 teams. But wait—we need 32 for the next round. So, the eight "best" third-place finishers also squeeze in. If your team finishes third with four points, they’re probably safe. If they only have three? It’s going to be a long night of checking goal differences.
Group A: The Mexico Connection
Mexico kicks things off at the legendary Estadio Azteca. They’ve got a tricky path right out of the gate.
- Mexico vs. South Africa (June 11, Mexico City)
- South Korea vs. UEFA Playoff D winner (June 11, Guadalajara)
Mexico is the first country to host three times. They basically have the ultimate home-field advantage, but South Africa and South Korea aren't exactly pushovers. South Korea, in particular, has a habit of ruining big teams' dreams.
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Group B: Canada’s Big Moment
Canada is hosting their first-ever men's World Cup games, and they’re starting in Toronto.
- Canada vs. UEFA Playoff A winner (June 12, Toronto)
- Qatar vs. Switzerland (June 13, San Francisco)
Canada had a rough go in 2022, but they’ve matured. Facing Switzerland later in the group will be the real litmus test for Alphonso Davies and the crew.
Group D: The USMNT’s West Coast Tour
The U.S. starts in Los Angeles. If you’re a fan, you better get used to the Pacific Time Zone.
- USA vs. Paraguay (June 12, Los Angeles)
- Australia vs. UEFA Playoff C winner (June 13, Vancouver)
Paraguay is a classic "trap" game. They defend like their lives depend on it. Then the U.S. heads to Seattle to play Australia on June 19. It’s a travel-heavy schedule, but the atmospheres in LA and Seattle will be electric.
Heavyweights and Newcomers: Who Plays Who?
One of the coolest things about this expansion is seeing teams like Uzbekistan, Jordan, and Curaçao make their debuts. It changes the flavor of the tournament. You aren't just seeing the same European and South American giants over and over.
Take Group E, for example. Germany is there, but they’re playing Curaçao. Think about that. A tiny island nation taking on the four-time champions in Houston on June 14. That’s why we watch.
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The Big Matchups to Circle
If you’re looking for the "Group of Death," it’s probably Group L or Group I.
- England vs. Croatia (June 17, Dallas): A rematch of the 2018 semi-final. These two can't stay away from each other.
- France vs. Senegal (June 16, New York/New Jersey): A massive historical and cultural matchup. Senegal beat France in 2002; can they do it again?
- Brazil vs. Morocco (June 13, New York/New Jersey): Morocco was the darling of the last World Cup. Seeing them go up against Vinícius Júnior and Brazil in Jersey will be insane.
How the Bracket Actually Works
This is where it gets nerdy. FIFA has split the top-ranked teams into specific "pathways" to keep them apart as long as possible. Argentina and Spain are on one side of the giant bracket. France and England are on the other.
If they all win their groups, we won't see an Argentina vs. France rematch until the semi-finals at the earliest.
The Round of 32 starts on June 28. It’s going to be a 104-match marathon. In the old days, you could win the trophy in seven games. Now? You need eight. That extra game in the Round of 32 adds a whole new level of fatigue. Depth is going to win this tournament, not just star power.
Why 48 Teams Isn't Just "More Games"
Some people hate the expansion. They say it dilutes the quality. Honestly, I get it. But consider this: Norway is back in the mix. Erling Haaland finally gets a global stage. Egypt and Ivory Coast are here. These are teams that missed out in 2022 but have world-class players.
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The variety is the point.
What You Need to Do Now
Don't wait until June to figure out your travel or viewing schedule. The distances between cities like Vancouver and Mexico City are huge—over 2,300 miles.
- Check the Playoff Winners: In March 2026, the final six spots will be filled. Italy is currently fighting through the UEFA playoffs. If they make it, they slot into Group B. Keep an eye on those results.
- Download the Official Schedule: Don't rely on memory. With 104 games, there will be days with four matches back-to-back. You’ll need a spreadsheet just to keep track of the kick-off times in different time zones.
- Focus on the Third-Place Rule: Start looking at the groups where teams are likely to draw. Since the "best eight" third-place teams advance, a single point in the final group game could be the difference between a flight home and a spot in the Round of 32.
- Prepare for the Travel Impact: If you're attending, look at the "Regional Hubs." FIFA tried to group games to minimize travel, but teams still move between regions. The U.S. is mostly in the West and Central, while teams like Spain and Argentina are bouncing around the East and Central.
The road to the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19 is going to be long and unpredictable. Whether you’re rooting for a debutant like Jordan or the defending champs Argentina, the new format means the traditional "safe" path to the final is officially gone.