The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring a 48-team format, has officially concluded. 32 national teams have formed the Round of 32 bracket — a round that has never existed before in World Cup history. The new phase of the tournament kicks off tonight, and to understand its logic it is worth breaking down exactly how the expanded 2026 World Cup 48-team format and its rules determined who made it to the knockout stage and how.
How the 48-Team Format Works at WC 2026
For the first time in tournament history, 48 national teams competed at the World Cup, split into 12 groups of four. A record 104 matches will be played across the United States, Mexico and Canada — the tournament will last 39 days. By comparison, the 2022 World Cup featured just 64 matches over 28 days. The group stage ran from June 11 to June 28 and covered 48 matches, including all third-round fixtures.
12 Groups of 4: Who Advances to the Playoffs
The qualification mechanics are straightforward but come with a nuance: the Round of 32 is made up of the top two teams from each of the 12 groups (24 teams) plus the eight best third-placed sides out of 12 possible. That makes exactly 32 playoff participants in total. In knockout matches, if the score is level after regular time, extra time (2×15 min) is played, and if the score remains tied, a penalty shootout follows.
The Best 8 Third-Place Teams Rule
This is where the main tournament intrigue of the expanded format lies. Of the 12 teams that finished third, only eight earned a place in the playoffs. Based on the group stage results, the following teams advanced to the Round of 32 via the third-place ranking: DR Congo, Sweden, Ghana, Ecuador, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Algeria, Paraguay and Senegal. Four teams that also finished third — Iran, South Korea, Scotland and Uruguay — were eliminated from the tournament. DR Congo, notably, claimed their first-ever victory in World Cup history, beating Uzbekistan 3–1 and advancing precisely through this ranking.
Scenarios
South Africa – Canada (today, 22:00 Kyiv time). The first Round of 32 match is already tonight. South Africa advanced from Group A in second place thanks to Maseko's goal in the 63rd minute in the final matchday, edging out South Korea. Canada finished second in Group B after Switzerland beat them in the third round. Both teams arrived at the playoffs via different paths: South Africa through an unexpected comeback, Canada through steady but unspectacular performances. The winner will face the winner of the Netherlands–Morocco tie in the Round of 16.
Brazil – Japan (June 29, 20:00). Brazil won Group C; Japan finished second in Group F after the Netherlands topped the group. Japan has already shown the ability to surprise top sides: a 2–2 draw with the Netherlands in the first round and a 4–0 win over Tunisia. If the Samurai Blue eliminate the Seleção, the bracket opens up for a potential quarterfinal against the Netherlands or Morocco.
Argentina – Cape Verde (July 4, 01:00). Argentina topped Group J with a perfect record — nine points from nine, including a 3–1 win over Jordan in which Messi scored directly from a free kick. Cape Verde are the sensation of the group stage, having advanced as a third-placed team. If the Albiceleste progress, their potential path to the final could include Colombia or Portugal.
For more on how the expanded format has changed the tournament structure, read the article "2026 World Cup Format: 48 Teams and Three Decisive Evenings". And for a look at the tournament on the eve of its start, see the report "WC 2026: Two Days to Kick-Off".
What to watch today and tomorrow: at 22:00 Kyiv time the first playoff match kicks off — South Africa vs Canada in Los Angeles. Tomorrow, June 29, at 20:00 — Brazil vs Japan in Houston, at 23:30 — Germany vs Paraguay in Boston. Three matches in less than 24 hours — the playoffs are picking up pace.
Photo: OBOZ.UA · Editorial (source)
