FAQ
How does the 2026 World Cup format work?
48 teams are split into 12 groups of 4. Each team plays 3 group matches. The top 2 in each group and the 8 best 3rd-placed teams advance to a new Round of 32. From there it's single-elimination: R32 → R16 → quarters → semis → final.
Where is the 2026 World Cup played?
The tournament is co-hosted by the USA (11 cities), Mexico (3), and Canada (2) from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The final is at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Are the group draws official?
Yes. These are the exact 12 groups drawn at the Final Draw in Washington, D.C. on December 5, 2025, with all playoff winners inserted after the March 2026 qualifiers.
How are the 8 best 3rd-placed teams decided?
FIFA ranks the 12 third-placed teams by points, goal difference, goals scored, fair-play record, and FIFA ranking. The top 8 go through. In this simulator, you pick the 8 manually — your bracket, your rules.
Can I share my bracket?
Yes. After choosing a champion, hit "Copy share link" to get a URL that contains your full bracket. Friends who open it see exactly what you picked.
Will my picks save if I close the tab?
Yes — every pick is stored in your browser. Come back anytime to keep going or change your mind.