World Cup 2024: Groups, Teams, and Fixtures

The 2024 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd FIFA World Cup, a quadrennial international men’s football championship contested by the senior men’s national teams of the members of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). It is scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 8 to July 3, 2024. This will be the first World Cup hosted by three countries, the first to be held in North America since 1994, and the second consecutive World Cup not to be hosted in Europe.

A total of 48 teams will compete in the final tournament, including 32 teams that qualified from the continental confederations and 16 berths reserved for teams from the host confederations (CONCACAF). This will be the first World Cup with a 48-team format, having been expanded from the previous 32-team format.

With the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams, the format of the group stage has been changed. Instead of the previous eight groups of four teams, there will now be 16 groups of three teams. Each team will play two matches in the group stage, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage.

Groups World Cup 2024

Here are 10 important points about the Groups of the 2024 World Cup:

48 teams
16 groups of 3
Top 2 from each group advance
New format for group stage
Matches in US, Canada, Mexico
Dates: June 8 – July 3, 2024
Host confederations get extra berths
Expanded from previous 32-team format
More teams, more excitement
New opportunities for smaller nations

The 2024 World Cup is set to be the most inclusive and exciting tournament yet, with more teams and more opportunities for smaller nations to make their mark on the world stage.

48 teams

One of the most significant changes to the 2024 World Cup is the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams, up from the previous 32-team format.

More teams, more excitement
The expansion of the tournament means that more teams than ever before will have the chance to compete on the world’s biggest stage. This is especially exciting for smaller nations, who now have a greater chance of qualifying for the World Cup.
New opportunities for smaller nations
The expanded format also gives smaller nations a better chance of making a deep run in the tournament. In previous World Cups, smaller nations were often eliminated in the early rounds, but with more teams advancing to the knockout stage, there is a greater chance for Cinderella stories.
A more inclusive tournament
The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams is a positive step towards making the tournament more inclusive. It gives more countries the opportunity to participate and showcase their talent on the world stage.
Challenges for FIFA and host nations
The expansion of the tournament also presents some challenges for FIFA and the host nations. The tournament will require more stadiums and infrastructure, and it will be more difficult to manage the logistics of a larger tournament. However, FIFA and the host nations are confident that they will be able to meet these challenges and deliver a successful World Cup.

The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams is a major change that will have a significant impact on the tournament. It is a positive step towards making the tournament more inclusive and giving more teams the chance to compete on the world’s biggest stage.

16 groups of 3

Another significant change to the 2024 World Cup is the new format for the group stage. Instead of the previous eight groups of four teams, there will now be 16 groups of three teams.

More matches for each team
The new format means that each team will play two matches in the group stage, instead of the previous three. This will give teams more opportunities to earn points and qualify for the knockout stage.
More competitive group stage
The new format is also likely to lead to a more competitive group stage. With only two teams advancing from each group, every match will be crucial. This will make for more exciting and unpredictable group stage matches.
Challenges for FIFA and the host nations
The new format also presents some challenges for FIFA and the host nations. The tournament will require more stadiums and infrastructure to accommodate the additional matches. However, FIFA and the host nations are confident that they will be able to meet these challenges and deliver a successful World Cup.
A unique opportunity for fans
The new format for the group stage is a unique opportunity for fans to see more matches and more teams in action. With 16 groups of three teams, there will be plenty of exciting matches to choose from.

The new format for the group stage is a major change that will have a significant impact on the 2024 World Cup. It is a positive step towards making the tournament more competitive and exciting, and it gives fans the opportunity to see more matches and more teams in action.

Top 2 from each group advance

Under the new format for the group stage, the top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage. This is a change from the previous format, which saw the top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams advance.

The new format is designed to make the group stage more competitive and exciting. With only two teams advancing from each group, every match will be crucial. This will make for more unpredictable and entertaining group stage matches.

The new format also gives more teams a chance to reach the knockout stage. In the previous format, only 16 teams advanced to the knockout stage. Under the new format, 32 teams will advance, which means that more teams will have the opportunity to compete for the World Cup trophy.

The change in format has been met with mixed reactions. Some people believe that it will make the group stage more exciting and unpredictable, while others believe that it will make it more difficult for smaller teams to advance to the knockout stage.

Only time will tell how the new format will impact the 2024 World Cup. However, one thing is for sure: it will be a unique and memorable tournament.

The 2024 World Cup is set to be the most inclusive and exciting tournament yet, with more teams, more matches, and more opportunities for smaller nations to make their mark on the world stage. The new format for the group stage is a major change that will have a significant impact on the tournament, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out.

New format for group stage

The new format for the group stage of the 2024 World Cup is one of the most significant changes to the tournament in recent history.

16 groups of 3 teams
The most noticeable change is the expansion of the group stage from 8 groups of 4 teams to 16 groups of 3 teams. This means that each team will play two matches in the group stage, instead of the previous three.
Top 2 from each group advance
Another major change is that only the top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage. In the previous format, the top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams advanced.
More matches for each team
The new format gives each team more opportunities to earn points and qualify for the knockout stage. In the previous format, teams could only earn a maximum of 9 points in the group stage. Under the new format, teams can earn a maximum of 6 points.
More competitive group stage
The new format is likely to lead to a more competitive group stage. With only two teams advancing from each group, every match will be crucial. This will make for more exciting and unpredictable group stage matches.

Matches in US, Canada, Mexico

The 2024 World Cup will be the first World Cup to be hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Matches will be played in 16 cities across the three countries, including:

United States: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle
Canada: Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver
Mexico: Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey

The United States will host the majority of the matches, including the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Canada and Mexico will each host 10 matches, including a semi-final match in each country.

The 2024 World Cup will be a major sporting event for all three host countries. It will be a chance for fans from all over the world to come together and celebrate the beautiful game. It will also be a major economic boost for the host countries, as millions of tourists are expected to visit during the tournament.

The 2024 World Cup is sure to be a memorable event for fans, players, and organizers alike. It will be a chance to celebrate the best that soccer has to offer, and to bring the world together through the power of sport.

The 2024 World Cup will be a unique and special event, and the host countries are excited to welcome fans from all over the world. With matches in 16 cities across three countries, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Dates: June 8 – July 3, 2024

The 2024 World Cup will take place from June 8 to July 3, 2024. This is a change from the traditional June-July window, which was used for the World Cups from 1998 to 2022.

Summer tournament
The change in dates was made to avoid the extreme heat of the summer months in the host countries. June and July are typically the hottest months in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and playing matches in these conditions could have been dangerous for players and fans alike.
More time for preparation
The new dates also give teams more time to prepare for the tournament. The previous June-July window meant that teams had to start their preparations immediately after the end of the European club season. The new dates give teams a few extra weeks to rest and recover before the start of the tournament.
Less disruption to domestic leagues
The change in dates also means that there will be less disruption to the domestic leagues in Europe and South America. The previous June-July window meant that these leagues had to take a break during the World Cup. The new dates mean that the leagues can continue to operate during the tournament, with only a short break for the knockout stage.
More opportunities for fans
The new dates also give fans more opportunities to attend matches. The June-July window meant that many fans were unable to attend matches due to work or school commitments. The new dates mean that more fans will be able to take time off work or school to attend matches.

The change in dates for the 2024 World Cup is a positive one. It will make the tournament safer for players and fans, give teams more time to prepare, and cause less disruption to domestic leagues. It will also give more fans the opportunity to attend matches.

Host confederations get extra berths

As the hosts of the 2024 World Cup, the confederations of the United States, Canada, and Mexico have been granted extra berths in the tournament.

CONCACAF, the confederation of North and Central America and the Caribbean, has been allocated six berths, up from three in previous tournaments. This means that the United States, Canada, and Mexico will all automatically qualify for the World Cup, along with three other teams from the region.

UEFA, the confederation of Europe, has been allocated 16 berths, up from 13 in previous tournaments. This means that the top 16 teams from European qualifying will automatically qualify for the World Cup.

CAF, the confederation of Africa, has been allocated nine berths, up from five in previous tournaments. This means that the top nine teams from African qualifying will automatically qualify for the World Cup.

AFC, the confederation of Asia, has been allocated eight berths, up from four in previous tournaments. This means that the top eight teams from Asian qualifying will automatically qualify for the World Cup.

OFC, the confederation of Oceania, has been allocated one berth, the same as in previous tournaments. This means that the winner of the OFC qualifying tournament will automatically qualify for the World Cup.

The remaining two berths will be decided through intercontinental playoffs, which will be contested by teams from CONMEBOL (South America), AFC (Asia), and OFC (Oceania).

The allocation of extra berths to the host confederations is a controversial issue. Some people believe that it is unfair to give the host confederations an advantage in qualifying for the World Cup. Others argue that it is necessary to ensure that the host confederations are represented in the tournament.

Expanded from previous 32-team format

The 2024 World Cup will be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, up from the previous 32-team format.

More teams, more excitement
The expansion of the tournament means that more teams than ever before will have the chance to compete on the world’s biggest stage. This is especially exciting for smaller nations, who now have a greater chance of qualifying for the World Cup.
New opportunities for smaller nations
The expanded format also gives smaller nations a better chance of making a deep run in the tournament. In previous World Cups, smaller nations were often eliminated in the early rounds, but with more teams advancing to the knockout stage, there is a greater chance for Cinderella stories.
A more inclusive tournament
The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams is a positive step towards making the tournament more inclusive. It gives more countries the opportunity to participate and showcase their talent on the world stage.
Challenges for FIFA and the host nations
The expansion of the tournament also presents some challenges for FIFA and the host nations. The tournament will require more stadiums and infrastructure, and it will be more difficult to manage the logistics of a larger tournament. However, FIFA and the host nations are confident that they will be able to meet these challenges and deliver a successful World Cup.

More teams, more excitement

The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams means that more teams than ever before will have the chance to compete on the world’s biggest stage. This is especially exciting for smaller nations, who now have a greater chance of qualifying for the World Cup.

More countries involved
The expansion of the tournament means that more countries than ever before will be represented at the World Cup. This will make the tournament more diverse and exciting, as fans from all over the world will be able to cheer on their teams.
More matches to enjoy
The expansion of the tournament also means that there will be more matches to enjoy. With 48 teams competing, there will be a total of 80 matches played in the group stage and knockout rounds. This means that fans will have plenty of opportunities to see their favorite teams in action.
More upsets and surprises
The expansion of the tournament is also likely to lead to more upsets and surprises. With more teams competing, there is a greater chance that a smaller team will be able to knock off a bigger team. This will make the tournament more unpredictable and exciting.
More opportunities for new stars to emerge
The expansion of the tournament also gives more opportunities for new stars to emerge. With more teams competing, there will be more players who get the chance to shine on the world stage. This could lead to the discovery of the next generation of football superstars.

The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams is a positive step that will make the tournament more exciting and inclusive. It will give more teams the chance to compete on the world’s biggest stage, and it will lead to more matches, more upsets, and more opportunities for new stars to emerge.

New opportunities for smaller nations

The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams is a major opportunity for smaller nations to compete on the world’s biggest stage. In previous World Cups, smaller nations often had to go through a difficult and lengthy qualifying process, and even then, they were often eliminated in the early rounds. The expanded format gives smaller nations a much better chance of qualifying for the World Cup, and it also gives them a better chance of making a deep run in the tournament.

There are several reasons why the expanded format is a positive development for smaller nations. First, it gives them more opportunities to play against top-tier competition. In the past, smaller nations often had to play against weaker teams in the early rounds of qualifying. This meant that they did not have the opportunity to improve their skills and tactics against the best teams in the world. The expanded format will give smaller nations the chance to play against top-tier teams from the very beginning of the qualifying process.

Second, the expanded format gives smaller nations a better chance of qualifying for the World Cup. In the previous format, only 32 teams qualified for the World Cup. This meant that smaller nations had to compete with each other for a limited number of spots. The expanded format gives smaller nations more opportunities to qualify for the World Cup, as there are now 48 spots available.

Third, the expanded format gives smaller nations a better chance of making a deep run in the tournament. In the previous format, smaller nations were often eliminated in the early rounds of the World Cup. This was because they were often matched up against stronger teams in the knockout stage. The expanded format gives smaller nations a better chance of avoiding the stronger teams in the early rounds, and it also gives them a better chance of advancing to the later rounds of the tournament.

The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams is a positive development for smaller nations. It gives them more opportunities to compete on the world’s biggest stage, it gives them a better chance of qualifying for the World Cup, and it gives them a better chance of making a deep run in the tournament.

FAQ

Have questions about the 2024 World Cup? We’ve got answers.

Question 1: When and where is the 2024 World Cup?
Answer: The 2024 World Cup will be held from June 8 to July 3, 2024, in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Question 2: How many teams will compete in the 2024 World Cup?
Answer: 48 teams will compete in the 2024 World Cup, up from 32 teams in previous tournaments.

Question 3: How will the 48 teams be divided into groups?
Answer: The 48 teams will be divided into 16 groups of 3 teams each.

Question 4: How many teams will advance to the knockout stage?
Answer: The top 2 teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage.

Question 5: What is the new format for the group stage?
Answer: In the new format, each team will play two matches in the group stage, instead of the previous three.

Question 6: Where will the final be played?
Answer: The final will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Question 7: How can I get tickets for the 2024 World Cup?
Answer: Ticket information for the 2024 World Cup has not yet been released. Please check the FIFA website for more information.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ}

We hope this FAQ has answered your questions about the 2024 World Cup. For more information, please visit the FIFA website.

In addition to the FAQ, here are some additional tips for planning your trip to the 2024 World Cup:

Note: Tips section not included in the prompt.

Tips

Planning a trip to the 2024 World Cup? Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience:

Tip 1: Book your flights and accommodation early.

The World Cup is a major sporting event, and flights and accommodation will sell out quickly. To get the best deals, book your flights and accommodation as early as possible.

Tip 2: Get your tickets in advance.

World Cup tickets are also in high demand, so it’s important to get yours in advance. You can purchase tickets through the FIFA website or through authorized ticket agents.

Tip 3: Plan your itinerary.

With 48 teams competing in the 2024 World Cup, there will be a lot of matches to choose from. To make sure you don’t miss any of the action, plan your itinerary in advance.

Tip 4: Pack for all types of weather.

The World Cup will be held in three different countries, each with its own unique climate. Be sure to pack for all types of weather, from hot and sunny to cool and rainy.

Tip 5: Learn a few basic phrases in the local language.

This will help you communicate with locals and get around more easily.

Closing Paragraph for Tips}

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your trip to the 2024 World Cup is a memorable and enjoyable experience.

The 2024 World Cup is sure to be an unforgettable event. With 48 teams competing from all over the world, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. So start planning your trip today!

Conclusion

The 2024 World Cup is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and memorable tournaments in history.

With the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams, more countries than ever before will have the chance to compete on the world’s biggest stage. This will give fans the opportunity to see more matches, more upsets, and more new stars emerge.

The new format for the group stage will also make the tournament more competitive and unpredictable. With only two teams advancing from each group, every match will be crucial. This will make for more exciting and entertaining group stage matches.

The 2024 World Cup will also be the first World Cup to be hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This will give fans from all over the world the opportunity to experience the tournament in a unique and unforgettable way.

With so much to look forward to, the 2024 World Cup is sure to be a tournament that will be remembered for years to come.

Closing Message}

We hope you enjoyed this overview of the 2024 World Cup. For more information, please visit the FIFA website.