World Cup 2026 Guide

The 48-Team Format Revolution

The 2026 World Cup marks the biggest expansion in the tournament's history, moving from 32 to 48 teams. This change introduces a new group stage structure consisting of 12 groups of 4 teams each.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage, along with the 8 best third-placed teams. This creates a massive Round of 32, adding an extra layer of excitement and knockout drama compared to previous editions. The total number of matches increases significantly, offering fans more football action across the host nations.

Host Cities Overview

For the first time, three nations will co-host the World Cup: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. matches will be played across 16 iconic cities.

United States (11 cities): Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle. The final is expected to be held in a major US venue.

Mexico (3 cities): Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey. The historic Estadio Azteca will once again feature prominently.

Canada (2 cities): Toronto and Vancouver. This marks Canada's first time hosting men's World Cup matches.

How the Simulator Works

Our simulator uses advanced statistical models to predict tournament outcomes. We define team strength using ELO ratings, which are updated based on real-world performance.

The simulation engine considers various factors for each match, including:

• Team Attack and Defense ratings derived from ELO.
• Home advantage (particularly relevant for the host nations).
• Fatigue levels based on match schedule and travel.
• Random variance to account for the unpredictability of football.

Users can run thousands of simulations to see probabilities for each team reaching different stages, from the group stage all the way to lifting the trophy.