World Cup 2026 Group Stage Predictor & Standings Calculator
Use this interactive World Cup 2026 group stage predictor to simulate every group match and instantly update the standings table
Adjust scores, apply official tiebreaker rules, and see which teams qualify for the knockout phase in real time. The expanded 2026 format means more teams advance from the group stage into the knockout bracket, making every goal crucial.
June 11 - July 19, 2026
USA, Canada, Mexico
12 Groups → Round of 32
Group A
Group B
Group C
Group D
Group E
Group F
Group G
Group H
Group I
Group J
Group K
Group L
About the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a historic expansion to 48 teams, making it the largest World Cup ever. The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring matches across 16 cities in North America.
Group Stage Format
The 48 qualified teams are divided into 12 groups (A through L), with 4 teams in each group. Each team plays 3 matches in the group stage (one against each opponent). The top 2 teams from each group automatically advance to the Round of 32, along with the 8 best third-placed teams based on points, goal difference, and goals scored.
Playoff Qualifiers
Some groups include playoff winners (marked with green badges above) who will be determined through:
- UEFA Playoff Paths - 4 mini-tournaments among European teams
- Inter-Confederation Playoffs - 2 tournaments featuring teams from different confederations
Visit our Playoffs Simulator to predict which teams will win these crucial qualification matches.
Confederation Breakdown
- UEFA (Europe) - 16 teams
- CAF (Africa) - 9 teams
- AFC (Asia) - 8 teams
- CONMEBOL (South America) - 6 teams
- CONCACAF (North/Central America) - 6 teams (including 3 hosts)
- OFC (Oceania) - 1 team
- Playoff Winners - 2 teams
Next Steps
Want to simulate the full tournament after finishing your group predictions? Use the Full Tournament Simulator to generate a complete bracket from groups to the final.
If you only care about the knockout tree, switch to the Playoffs Bracket Predictor to focus on the Round of 32 and beyond.
World Cup Groups FAQ
How does the World Cup 2026 group stage work?
The tournament features 12 groups with 4 teams each. Every team plays three matches, earning 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss. The best-ranked teams in each group move on to the knockout rounds.
How are teams ranked in the group standings?
Teams are ranked by total points, then goal difference and goals scored. If they are still tied, additional tiebreakers based on head-to-head performance and fair-play criteria may be applied.
Can I simulate different group scenarios?
Yes. Change any match score in the predictor and the standings table will update instantly, allowing you to test multiple qualification scenarios.
Does this tool use official World Cup rules?
The predictor is designed to follow the official structure and main tiebreaker logic of the 2026 World Cup, giving fans a realistic view of possible outcomes.