Frequently asked questions
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
Forty-eight national teams compete, twelve more than Qatar 2022, so confederations gained extra slots.
How are the 48 teams divided into groups?
FIFA seeds the draw into twelve groups labelled A through L (four teams each).
Which teams automatically qualified as hosts?
The three co-hosts (the United States, Mexico, and Canada) each receive an automatic spot.
Are there any debutant teams in 2026?
The expanded format means several nations can qualify for the first time; see each team’s profile.
Who are the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup?
Bookmakers often highlight Argentina, France, Brazil, England, Spain, and Germany, though form shifts before kickoff.
When was the group draw for the 2026 World Cup?
FIFA staged the official draw to lock Groups A–L; use our Groups hub for the full lineup.
How many teams advance from each group?
Two teams per group always advance; eight of the twelve third-place teams also reach the Round of 32.
Which confederation has the most teams?
UEFA sends the largest contingent under FIFA’s allocation, followed by CAF and CONMEBOL.