With summer approaching quickly, soccer season is nearing in the Americas. For the first time in World Cup history, hosting duties will be shared between three countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada. Mexico will become the first country to host the World Cup three times. Games will stretch across the continent as 48 teams compete to secure a spot in the round of 32. The increase in participating teams brings several changes, including more total matches, more groups and an additional elimination round.

The decision to allow 16 additional countries to qualify was aimed at giving more recognition to continents such as Africa, Asia and North America. It also gives FIFA an opportunity to expand global participation and viewership, ultimately increasing revenue. Countries such as Uzbekistan, Jordan and Cape Verde will make their first World Cup appearance because of the expansion. Countries still seeking qualification include North Macedonia, Suriname, Albania, Kosovo and New Caledonia. To qualify, teams must finish first or second in their regional group and win one or two knockout games in the Intercontinental Playoffs to earn a World Cup spot.

With more countries comes a need for more advancement opportunities, which led FIFA to add an extra round to the tournament bracket. The new round of 32 complements the expanded format of 12 groups of four teams, compared to the previous eight groups of four. Each team will still play three group-stage matches. The top two teams from each group will automatically advance, along with the eight best third-place teams based on points, allowing 32 teams to move on.

Teams will advance through the knockout rounds by winning standard 90-minute matches. The winner advances, while the losing team is eliminated. As before, each win is worth three points and each draw earns one point during group play.

Teams will continue through the bracket until the final match, where the World Cup champion will be decided on July 19, 2026.