The 2026 World Cup has arrived. Mexico and South Africa will kick off the tournament on Thursday afternoon following Mexico's opening ceremony.

What teams are moving on to the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, returning to North America, will feature a new format with 48 teams, up from 32.

If the score is tied after regulation, the match will then be sent into two 15-minutes halves of extra time. These extra 30 minutes are mandatory, meaning that it's not a golden goal (or sudden death) format. The full 30 minutes will get played whether or not a team scores in extra time.

Ghana's coach Carlos Queiroz has lashed out at FIFA's expanded 48-team World Cup, despite his team progressing. Is his criticism justified as the tournament moves into the knockout stage?

Thankfully for Kane, the curse was reversed after the 0-0 draw against Ghana, and he scored again in England’s final group game against Panama. The Golden Boot is awarded to the player who scores the most goals at the World Cup.

Spain legend Iker Casillas has suggested a change in the FIFA World Cup format. He stated that the tournament needs to have 64 teams because he disagrees with the best-third-placed team concept.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is entering its decisive moments of the group stage with teams battling for a place in the knockout rounds. Under the tournament's expanded 48-team format, qualification for knockout rounds is no longer reserved just for the group winners and runners-up.