First time with 1/16 of the finals, the regulation for teams qualifying during the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup will go down in history as the first ever edition with 48 participating teams, an increase of 16 teams. And this expansion of the format will abolish the old system of direct qualification of teams to the 1/8 finals while adding a new round; for the first time in the most important football competition, there will be a 1/16 finals phase that will start on Sunday, June 28.

Of the 48 participating teams, 32 are waiting for the ticket to the next round and 16 will return home. The first two teams from each group, 24 in total, and the 8 best third-placed teams qualify for the 1/16 finals.

What happens in case of a tie?

With 12 groups of 4 teams each and only 3 matches available, the probability of having teams with equal points is very high. In the event that 2 or more teams in the same group are equal on points, FIFA will apply these criteria in order of importance.

Head-to-head matches (if the tie involves the same teams)

A) Highest number of points obtained in direct matches
B) Best goal difference in direct matches
C) Highest number of goals scored in direct matches
General group criteria (if a draw continues)

D) Best overall goal difference in all group matches
E) Highest number of goals scored in all group matches
F) Fair Play classification: calculated based on cards received by players and staff
G) FIFA ranking: will be used as a last resort in case of a tie in all criteria
How are the third best teams calculated

New to the tournament is the 'split classification' which will decide the 12 teams that will be ranked third in the classification in their respective groups. Only 8 of them will advance, the other 4 will be eliminated. The criteria to decree the 8 best third-placed teams are:

Points earned in their group

Best overall goal difference

Highest number of goals scored

Disciplinary behavior (lowest number of cards received)

FIFA ranking (with official reference to blocked on June 11, 2026).

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