The Guide to Groups & Schedule for the 2026 World Cup
Explore the official group draws and tournament brackets. Never miss a single critical match live from our official Fan Zone in Barcelona.
This is the most anticipated sporting event in the world. For the very first time in history, the 2026 FIFA World Cup brings together 48 national teams distributed across 12 groups. From June 11 to July 19, 2026, the United States, Canada, and Mexico host the greatest football stars.
Whether you are in Barcelona for holidays, study, or living here, you are likely looking to support your team. Find the complete groups dashboard, tournament schedules, and learn how to experience the matches inside our high-energy Official Fan Zone.
emoji_events Knockout Stage Bracket
Follow the live progression of the qualified teams through the final tournament brackets. Watch every decisive matchup live in our Official Fan Zone in Barcelona.
The 12 Groups Composition (48 Nations)
Here is the official distribution of the 48 countries qualified for this historical World Cup. The top two teams from each group along with the eight best third-placed teams will claim a ticket for the knockout phase.
Group A NA/EU Zone
- ๐ฒ๐ฝ Mexico
- ๐ฟ๐ฆ South Africa
- ๐ฐ๐ท South Korea
- ๐จ๐ฟ Czechia
Group B NA/EU Zone
- ๐จ๐ฆ Canada
- ๐จ๐ญ Switzerland
- ๐ถ๐ฆ Qatar
- ๐ง๐ฆ Bosnia and Herzegovina
Group C Immediate Clash
- ๐ง๐ท Brazil
- ๐ฒ๐ฆ Morocco
- ๐ญ๐น Haiti
- ๐ฌ๐ง Scotland
Group D Main Host
- ๐บ๐ธ United States
- ๐ต๐พ Paraguay
- ๐ฆ๐บ Australia
- ๐น๐ท Turkey
Group E Europe Zone
- ๐ฉ๐ช Germany
- ๐จ๐ผ Curaรงao
- ๐จ๐ฎ Ivory Coast
- ๐ช๐จ Ecuador
Group F Europe Zone
- ๐ณ๐ฑ Netherlands
- ๐ฏ๐ต Japan
- ๐น๐ณ Tunisia
- ๐ธ๐ช Sweden
Group G Balanced
- ๐ง๐ช Belgium
- ๐ช๐ฌ Egypt
- ๐ฎ๐ท Iran
- ๐ณ๐ฟ New Zealand
Group H Latin Clash
- ๐ช๐ธ Spain
- ๐จ๐ป Cabo Verde
- ๐ธ๐ฆ Saudi Arabia
- ๐บ๐พ Uruguay
Group I
- ๐ซ๐ท France
- ๐ธ๐ณ Senegal
- ๐ณ๐ด Norway
- ๐ฎ๐ถ Iraq
Group J Title Holders
- ๐ฆ๐ฆ Argentina
- ๐ฉ๐ฟ Algeria
- ๐ฆ๐น Austria
- ๐ฏ๐ด Jordan
Group K Exciting
- ๐ต๐น Portugal
- ๐บ๐ฟ Uzbekistan
- ๐จ๐ด Colombia
- ๐จ๐ฉ DR Congo
Group L Classic
- ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ England
- ๐ญ๐ท Croatia
- ๐ฌ๐ญ Ghana
- ๐ต๐ฆ Panama
The Tournament Schedule & Key Phases
With 104 matches scheduled, the competition spans over 40 days of pure emotion. Make sure to note down the dates for each round:
Group Stage Matches
The 48 teams play their 3 group stage matches. The top 2 from each group and the 8 best third-placed teams (total of 32 teams) advance to the knockout stage. An intense period with multiple matches scheduled daily!
Knockout Stage Begins
A major change for this 48-team edition is the addition of the Round of 32 single-elimination matches. No room for errorโevery match becomes a final.
Round of 16
The best 16 teams face off for a spot in the quarterfinals. Major contenders start colliding in legendary matches.
Quarterfinals
The final four comes closer. The remaining 8 teams play at their absolute limit to secure a spot in World Cup history.
Semifinals
The final four teams fight to secure one of the two tickets to the Grand Final in New York.
Final & Third-Place Play-off
The third-place play-off takes place on Saturday, July 18. On Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, the world stops to crown the new World Cup Champions.
Where to Watch in Barcelona? The Official Fan Zone
Don't stay alone in front of a small screen. La French has set up the biggest **Official Fan Zone in Barcelona**, located right in the center within the privatized areas of **BCN Sport Hostel**.
Experience every match of France, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, and all major nations with premium setups:
- ๐บ LED HD Giant Screens of the latest generation providing perfect visibility from all angles.
- ๐ Stadium-grade sound for absolute immersion when the national anthems resonate.
- ๐ Special Fan Zone Menu: Craft burgers, tapas, french fries, and cold beers at discounted prices.
- ๐ง DJ Sets & Pre-game Shows: Festive beats and stadium energy before kickoff and after the final whistle.
How to Book Tickets?
Due to exceptional demand, access to the Fan Zone is restricted and requires prior online booking. Secure your skip-the-line tickets and food & beverage packages through our official Fourvenues booking system.
Looking to party tonight? Check out the official Guest List Barcelona for free entry to the best clubs in the city.