Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WHAT FINAL ROUNDS WILL THE 2026 WORLD CUP HAVE?
The 2026 World Cup will bring a historic change: for the first time, 48 teams will compete in a tournament that will expand the knockout rounds. With more matches, more goals, and more drama, fans can expect a knockout stage starting from the round of 32, a format FIFA designed to increase competitiveness and excitement. In this article, we'll tell you how the knockout rounds will work, which teams could go the furthest, and some interesting facts surrounding this new era of the World Cup.
This is how the final stages of the tournament will be played
The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will not only be the largest in terms of the number of host countries, but also in the number of teams: 48 national teams. This new format radically modifies the final rounds by incorporating an extra phase: the round of 32.
From groups to knockout rounds: how the tournament is structured
The first phase will consist of 12 groups of 4 teams each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the round of 32.
Thus, 32 teams will continue in the competition to play the knockout matches until reaching the grand final.Round of 32: 32 teams, 16 knockout matches.
Round of 16: 16 teams, 8 matches.
Quarterfinals: 8 teams, 4 matches.
Semifinals: 4 teams, 2 matches.
Final and Third Place: the last two matches of the tournament.
How the champions will be decided in the new World Cup
The final rounds of the 2026 World Cup promise unprecedented intensity. From the round of 32 to the final, every match will be a final in itself. Pressure, penalties, and last-minute comebacks will be commonplace for football fans.
Round of 32: the new frontier
This will be the big change. The 32 qualified teams will face each other in 16 direct matches. There will be no room for error: one bad game and you're going home. Mid-table teams like Morocco or Japan could face powerhouses like France or Brazil from this stage, guaranteeing exciting matches right from the start. Penalties on the horizon: A 25% increase in penalty shootouts is expected. More decisive matches: There will be 40 knockout matches, compared to 16 at Qatar 2022. More extra time: With more matches, the likelihood of epic extra time also increases. This makes the 2026 World Cup a kind of "mini global Champions League," where every clash has the potential to become legendary. And the best part: more opportunities to see the stars shine in decisive moments.
Round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals: where heroes are born
Once the first hurdle is cleared, teams enter the realm of history. The Round of 16 is the filter for the elite. In Qatar 2022, we saw memorable battles like Argentina vs. Australia or Morocco vs. Spain. In 2026, with more teams, we could have unprecedented clashes like the United States vs. Senegal or Mexico vs. Croatia.
In the quarterfinals, the pressure is at its peak. Only eight teams survive, and this is where legends are often forged. Statistics show that, since 1998, more than 70% of world champions have reached this stage undefeated. The average number of goals in the quarterfinals is around 2.9 per match. 60% of the champions won their quarterfinal series by a single goal. In 2026, the quarterfinals are expected to be played in iconic stadiums such as MetLife and AT&T Stadium. The semifinals and final will follow the traditional format, but with an American twist: musical performances, light shows, and immersive experiences for fans across the continent. The stadium in New Jersey or Los Angeles could be the stage for the crowning of the next world champion.
Third Place and Final Glory
Although many underestimate it, the third-place match is a classic of pure emotion. Teams like Croatia in 2022 or Turkey in 2002 transformed it into a symbol of pride. In 2026, that duel will serve as the perfect prelude to the grand final, which promises to break all viewership records.
What you didn't know about the final rounds of the 2026 World Cup
With more teams and rounds, there are also statistical curiosities that promise to make history. From the total number of expected goals to record attendance, the 2026 World Cup will be an unprecedented celebration.
Surprising Numbers
It is estimated that there will be more than 170 goals in the knockout rounds alone, an all-time record.
The tournament will last 39 days, 6 more than Qatar 2022.
The United States will host 60 of the 104 total matches, including the final.
FIFA forecasts revenues exceeding $11 billion, a 40% increase over 2022.
Predictions and possible surprises
Which teams could shine in this new format? Brazil, France, and Argentina remain the favorites, but watch out for emerging powers like Morocco, Japan, or the United States, who could take advantage of the new system to sneak into the top eight.
The 48-team format gives space to dark horses that were previously left out. It wouldn't be unreasonable to imagine an African team in the semifinals, or Canada pulling off a surprise on home soil. And with so many knockout rounds, the likelihood of epic penalty shootouts is higher than ever. More than 25 matches could be decided by penalties, according to FIFA simulations. There will be 16 stadiums in 3 countries, guaranteeing unique atmospheres. An average attendance of 70,000 people per match is projected. Beyond the spectacle, this new system seeks to democratize football. By allowing more countries to participate, the World Cup becomes a truly global event. The final rounds will reflect that diversity: from debutant teams to established powers, everyone will have their chance to shine. The 2026 World Cup will mark a turning point in football history. More passion, more competition, more goals. And in the end, only one will lift the trophy… but millions will live an unforgettable experience. The world is preparing for the most epic tournament of all time.
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