How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?
Quick Answer
The 2026 World Cup will feature 104 total matches — 72 group stage games and 32 knockout round games — played over 39 days from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Detailed Explanation
The expansion from 32 to 48 teams has significantly increased the number of matches. The group stage now features 12 groups of 4 teams, with each team playing 3 matches, producing 72 group games. The knockout stage adds a new Round of 32 before the Round of 16, resulting in 32 knockout matches (16 R32 + 8 R16 + 4 QF + 2 SF + 1 third-place + 1 final). This is a major increase from the 64 matches in the 2022 World Cup.
📌Key Points
- 1104 total matches: 72 group stage + 32 knockout stage
- 2Expansion from 32 to 48 teams adds 40 more matches than 2022
- 3New Round of 32 adds an extra knockout round
- 4Tournament spans 39 days from June 11 to July 19, 2026
📜Related Rules
Learn how the FIFA World Cup is structured with group stages, knockout rounds, and the path to the final.
Complete comparison of 2026 vs 2022 FIFA World Cup: 48 vs 32 teams, 104 vs 64 matches, new Round of 32, 3 hosts, summer timing, and more changes.