how many games in the 2026 world cup

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14-03-2025

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How Many Games Are in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be a landmark tournament. It marks a significant expansion from previous World Cups, resulting in a substantially larger number of matches. So, how many games will be played in total?

The Answer: 104 Matches

The 2026 World Cup will feature a whopping 104 matches, a significant increase from the 64 matches played in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. This expansion is a direct result of the increase in participating teams from 32 to 48.

Why the Increase?

The expansion to 48 teams means a completely restructured tournament format. This leads to a considerably larger number of group stage matches and more knockout round encounters.

Tournament Structure Breakdown

While the exact group stage and knockout round pairings won't be known until the draw, we can understand the increase based on the format:

• Group Stage: With 48 teams divided into 16 groups of 3, each group will play two matches, resulting in 48 matches. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages.

• Knockout Stage: This is where the extra games really add up! 32 teams advance, requiring 31 matches to determine the champion. That’s a single-elimination format, meaning one loss eliminates a team.

• Total: 48 group stage matches + 31 knockout stage matches + 23 playoff matches = 104 matches

This means fans will have more opportunities to witness exciting football (soccer) from around the globe.

Impact of the Increased Number of Games

The increase in matches has several implications:

• Increased viewing time: More games mean more opportunities for broadcasters and fans to engage with the World Cup.

• More opportunities for smaller nations: The expansion gives more teams from various continents, and smaller footballing nations, a chance to participate and compete on the world stage.

• Logistical challenges: Hosting 104 matches across three countries requires extensive planning and coordination regarding stadiums, transportation, and infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 World Cup promises to be an unforgettable event. The expanded format and increased number of matches ensure a longer, more exciting tournament. The anticipation is high, and the world awaits the spectacle of 104 thrilling matches. Keep an eye out for updates as the tournament draws closer!