The New 2026 World Cup Format: 48 Teams Explained
QuiniPrats editorial team
5 min read
Published on 22 May 2026
The new 48-team format changes everything: a Round of 32, 8 matchdays of predictions and more upsets. Here's how it works.
The 2026 World Cup marks the biggest transformation to the format since 1998. For the first time, 48 nations will compete for the title, instead of the usual 32. Understanding the new format is key to making accurate predictions in your quiniela.
The New Format, Step by Step
- Group stage: 12 groups × 4 teams = 48 matches
- Round of 32: the 24 group winners and runners-up + 8 best third-placed sides = 32 teams
- Round of 16 (Last 16): 16 teams
- Quarter-finals: 8 teams
- Semi-finals: 4 teams
- Final: 19 July — the last 2 standing
The Round of 32 is the big new addition. With 32 extra knockout matches, predictions at this stage will be especially tricky — a team that finishes third in their group can knock out a group runner-up.
How It Affects Your QuiniPrats Quiniela
In QuiniPrats, the 2026 World Cup is structured across 8 matchdays: 3 group stage rounds, the Round of 32, the Round of 16, the Quarter-finals, the Semi-finals and the Final. Each matchday groups matches from the same round, just like in the LaLiga quiniela. Rack up points across every stage and prove you can call it right from the opening group matches all the way to the grand final.
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