World Cup bracket, explained: How seeds, groups, format will work in expanded 48-team field for 2026 FIFA tournament

- The 2026 FIFA World Cup will expand to a 48-team field, marking the largest tournament in the event's history.
- The competition will be joint-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making it only the second World Cup held across multiple nations.
- This expansion necessitates a revised tournament format, including new seeding and group stage structures to accommodate the additional teams.
- The Sporting News is providing detailed breakdowns of how the bracket will function and how the proceedings will be managed from start to finish.
Sources & Citations
1 sourceMore Stories
Friday’s sport: What’s on and where can I watch it?
• England's Lionesses face Spain in a critical Women's World Cup qualifying match, with manager Sarina Wiegman stating the team will play to win despite needing only a draw to advance. • The Lionesses currently lead qualifying group A3 with a perfect record, holding a three-point advantage over the world champions.
Read original · independent.co.uk
The IndependentHow to watch World Cup 2026: TV channels, live streams and fixture schedule for FIFA tournament
• The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking a historic expansion of the tournament. • For the first time in the competition's history, the field will grow to include 48 teams, making it the largest World Cup ever.
Read original · sportingnews.com
Sporting NewsWill Germany bounce back? Find out in our World Cup Group E preview
• Flashscore has begun releasing in-depth previews of the 2026 World Cup groups, focusing currently on Group E. • The tournament is scheduled to commence on June 11th with an opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.
Read original · flashscore.com
FlashscoreAdam Silver anticipates 2027 launch for NBA Europe, with a 16-team league and limited promotion system - Yahoo Sports
• NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is planning the launch of "NBA Europe," a new 16-team league anticipated to begin operations in 2027. • The league is targeting key cities across Europe, including London, Manchester, Paris, Lyon, Madrid, Barcelona, Munich, Berlin, Rome, Milan, Athens, and Istanbul.
Read original · sports.yahoo.comAdam Silver: NBA Europe 'On Track' to Launch Next Year - Front Office Sports
• NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced that the league's expansion efforts in Europe are "on track" to launch next year. • The update comes amid broader international growth, including France securing two Finals broadcasters for the first time and various European nations selecting school-based tournament camps.
Read original · frontofficesports.com
Front Office Sports7 Unique Rules Soccer Players Must Follow at the 2026 World Cup
• FIFA is introducing seven new rules for the 2026 World Cup, which begins on June 11 and will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. • Key regulations include new guidelines for hydration breaks and a strict penalty for players who cover their mouths with their hands, arms, or shirts during confrontational situations.
Read original · people.comHow to watch World Cup 2026: TV channels, live streams and fixture schedule for FIFA tournament
• FIFA has announced a new broadcasting agreement for the 2026 World Cup, featuring multi-platform distribution in India. • The tournament will be broadcast via linear television through UNITE8 Sports and digitally via the Zee5 streaming platform.
Read original · sportingnews.com
Sporting NewsIs the World Cup on TV today? Here's what games and how to watch live
• The current World Cup schedule features matches involving top teams such as Spain, France, and Mexico, with game times varying throughout the day. • English-language broadcasts are available on FOX and FS1, while Spanish-language coverage is provided by Telemundo and Universo.
Read original · northjersey.com
NorthJersey.comMLB News, Scores & Expert Analysis
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. appeared with Sports Illustrated host Claudette Montana in New York to promote the mobile game Brawl Stars. • During the interview, Guerrero Jr. discussed his passion for baseball and shared his appreciation for the intensity and energy of New York sports fans.
Read original · si.com
Sports IllustratedAyush Shetty Vs Lee Cheuk Yiu Highlights, Indonesia Open: Hong Kong Star Strikes Back To Force Decider
• Hong Kong shuttler Lee Cheuk Yiu defeated Ayush Shetty in a second-round men's singles clash at the Indonesia Open on June 3, 2026. • After a competitive start, Lee utilized strong momentum in the deciding game to secure a victory at the Istora Senayan.
Read original · outlookindia.com
Outlook IndiaIndonesia Open badminton: Ayush Shetty scripts comeback win, reaches pre-quarterfinals
• Young Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty, ranked World No. 20, advanced to the pre-quarterfinals of the Indonesia Open 2026 after a comeback victory. • Shetty defeated China's World No. 15 Weng Hong Yang in a thrilling opening-round match after trailing in the first game.
Read original · timesofindia.indiatimes.com