Explanation of the Group Stage System in the 2026 World Cup

The World Cup tournament system, after increasing the number of teams from 32 to 48, is more complex compared to previous editions, especially in the group stage, which forms the first phase of the tournament and has undergone significant changes that will affect the entire competition.

According to the "ESPN" report, the most notable change is the increase in the number of teams qualifying for the knockout stages. Instead of 16 teams qualifying as before, 32 teams will now advance from the group stage.

In the new system, teams are divided into 12 groups, with the group leaders and the second-place teams from each group qualifying, along with the best 8 teams that finish in third place.

The previous system, in place between 1998 and 2022, involved dividing 32 teams into 8 groups, with only the first and second from each group advancing to the round of 16.

With the expectation that several teams may have equal points at the end of the group stage, clear criteria have been set to break the tie. These start with the number of points in direct encounters between the concerned teams, followed by goal difference, and then the number of goals scored in those encounters.

In the event of a continued tie, the goal difference in all group matches is considered, followed by the number of goals scored, then fair play points, and finally the FIFA ranking.

The best third-placed teams are determined based on a ranking that depends on points, then goal difference, then the number of goals scored, then fair play points, and finally the FIFA ranking.

Fair play points are calculated based on cards, with one point deducted for each yellow card, three points for an indirect red card resulting from two cautions, four points for a direct red card, and five points in the case of a combination of a yellow card and a direct red card.

According to the report, these changes may heighten the excitement in the final rounds of the group stage, as a larger number of teams compete for qualification, either by securing top positions or as one of the best third-placed teams. This makes the calculations more complex until the final whistle.

On the other hand, the new system might reduce the chances of major teams being eliminated early, as it would require significantly negative results to knock out teams like Germany or Brazil from the group stage. This could result in less competitive matches in the Round of 32 due to the increased number of qualifiers.