The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico is the first with 48 teams. This is not just an expansion — the entire tournament structure has changed, new stages have been added, and new betting markets have opened. Here is how it works and what changes from a betting perspective.
How the new format works
Instead of 32 teams — 48. Instead of 8 groups of 4 — 12 groups of 4 teams. The top 2 from each group (24 teams) plus the 8 best third-placed teams advance — making 32 teams in the knockout stage.
| Parameter | Format pre-2022 | Format 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Teams | 32 | 48 |
| Groups | 8 × 4 teams | 12 × 4 teams |
| Advance from group | Top 2 (16 teams) | Top 2 + 8 best 3rd (32 teams) |
| First knockout stage | Round of 16 | Round of 32 |
| Total matches | 64 | 104 |
| Final | — | July 19, MetLife Stadium |
The Round of 32 explained
The key addition is the Round of 32. Between the group stage and the quarter-finals there are now three knockout rounds instead of two: Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, Final.
How this affects betting
Third place now has value. The 8 best third-placed teams advance. Teams with nothing to play for in the old format now have strong motivation right to the final group match.
Group qualification market is devalued. The real probability of advancing has risen (roughly 75% for average teams), but bookmakers have adjusted. Favourites’ group exit odds are extremely low — no value.
Round of 32 opens new markets. 16 matches at this stage, often featuring strong sides against weak third-placed teams. Over/under and Asian handicap markets on these games typically offer better value than match winner.
Key dates
| Stage | Dates |
|---|---|
| Group stage | June 11 – July 2, 2026 |
| Round of 32 | July 4–8, 2026 |
| Round of 16 | July 10–14, 2026 |
| Quarter-finals | July 15–16, 2026 |
| Semi-finals | July 17–18, 2026 |
| Final | July 19, MetLife Stadium |
Where to bet on the World Cup
- 1xBet — all 104 World Cup matches → visit →
- 1Win Casino → visit →
- Stake Casino → visit →
