FIFA World Cup 2026
Info Guide
The tournament's rules and mechanics, in Q&A form
How Does the 48-Team World Cup Format Work?
The 2026 World Cup's new 48-team format explained: 12 groups, best third-placed teams, 104 matches and the new Round of 32 — all in one Q&A.
The Knockout Bracket: From the Round of 32 to the Final
How does the 2026 World Cup knockout stage work? Round of 32, Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final — pairing rules explained.
Extra Time and Penalties: How the Rules Work
When is extra time played at the World Cup and how do penalty shoot-outs work? Shoot-out rules, substitution allowances and common questions.
How Does VAR Work? What Is Semi-Automated Offside?
Which decisions can VAR review at the World Cup, and how does semi-automated offside technology work? From the ball sensor to referee announcements.