Eligibility & Qualification
How many teams qualify from each World Cup group?
Quick Answer
Two teams qualify from each group. The top 2 teams in each of the 8 groups advance to the Round of 16. This means 16 teams (out of 32) progress to the knockout stage.
Detailed Explanation
The World Cup group stage features 8 groups of 4 teams each. After each team plays 3 matches (once against each other team in the group), the top 2 finishers advance. The group winner faces a runner-up from another group in the Round of 16.
📌Key Points
- 12 teams per group advance
- 28 groups × 2 = 16 teams in knockout
- 3Group winner vs runner-up in R16
- 43rd and 4th place teams are eliminated
📜Related Rules
group stageLearn more →
World Cup Tournament FormatLearn more →
Learn how the FIFA World Cup is structured with group stages, knockout rounds, and the path to the final.