2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage
12 groups of 4 teams play a round-robin format, producing 72 matches. The top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advance to the Round of 32.
The 2026 World Cup Group Stage, explained
The 2026 group stage is the largest in FIFA World Cup history: 48 teams across 12 groups (A-L), each playing three matches in a round-robin format. Across the 17-day window from 2026-06-11 to 2026-06-27, 72 matches will be played — roughly 4.2 fixtures per day — at venues in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Qualification rule
Top 2 from each group + 8 best 3rd-placed teams advance to the Round of 32.
Format
- ·Round-robin: each team plays the other three in their group once.
- ·Three points for a win, one for a draw, zero for a loss.
- ·No extra time or penalties — group games can end as a draw.
- ·Tiebreakers (in order): points, goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head points, head-to-head goal difference, head-to-head goals scored, fair play points, drawing of lots.
Group Stage through recent World Cups
How the Group Stage has played out across the most recent FIFA World Cups.
Group Stage fixtures
Frequently Asked Questions
How many matches are in the World Cup 2026 Group Stage?
The Group Stage consists of 72 matches between 2026-06-11 and 2026-06-27 — an average of 4.2 matches per day.
What is the qualification rule for the Group Stage?
Top 2 from each group + 8 best 3rd-placed teams advance to the Round of 32.
When does the Group Stage start at the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage runs from Thursday, June 11 to Saturday, June 27, 2026.
Does Group Stage use extra time and penalties?
No. Group-stage matches that end level after 90 minutes are recorded as a draw — three points are split (one each).
Can I get Group Stage fixtures and live scores via API?
Yes. Filter the matches endpoint by stage (group-stage) or by date range (2026-06-11-2026-06-27) to get every Group Stage fixture, plus live scores, lineups, in-match events, xG, and odds during play.
How does the 2026 Group Stage compare to previous editions?
The 2026 Group Stage retains the same single-elimination format used in recent World Cups, but draws teams from the expanded 48-team field.
Get live Group Stage data via API
Scores, lineups, events, xG, and odds. 7-day free trial.