How do the 2030 World Cup groups work? With 48 teams, the tournament has 12 groups of 4. Here are the line-ups, the rules for qualifying for the knockout stage and how the groups emerge from the draw.
The 48-team format splits the nations into 12 groups of 4 (A to L). Each team faces the other three in its group during the group stage. It's a major change from the 8 groups of 4 of the 32-team era.
Reaching the knockout stage: the top two in each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams. That takes the number of teams qualifying for the round of 32 to 32. Placing within a group is decided on points, then goal difference and the usual criteria.
| Position | Qualified? |
|---|---|
| Group winner | Yes |
| Group runner-up | Yes |
| 3rd in group | If among the 8 best third-placed |
| 4th in group | No |
The groups come out of the draw, from four pots based on the FIFA ranking. As a rule, two teams from the same confederation are not placed in the same group (except UEFA). The host nations are generally placed at the top of their group. The full make-up of the groups will be known after the draw, expected late 2029 / early 2030.
12 groups of 4 teams, making 48 nations in total.
The top two in each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, making 32 teams in the knockout stage.
After the draw, expected late 2029 or early 2030. Sign up for the alert to receive them.
Via a draw from four pots based on the FIFA ranking, avoiding two teams from the same confederation in one group (except UEFA).
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