How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?

48 teams compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expanded from 32 in previous tournaments — the largest World Cup in football history.

How does the 2026 World Cup group stage work?

The 48 teams are drawn into 12 groups of 4 teams each (Groups A through L). Each team plays 3 matches. The top 2 from each group (24 teams) advance, plus the 8 best third-place finishers, creating a 32-team knockout bracket.

How many matches are in the 2026 World Cup?

There are 104 matches total — 72 group stage matches and 32 knockout matches (Round of 32 through the Final). The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Where is the 2026 World Cup hosted?

The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by three nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. There are 16 host cities across the three countries, with the final at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.

Who will win the 2026 World Cup?

Our AI-powered prediction engine analyzes xG, FIFA rankings, recent form, and historical performance to forecast every match. Visit Bucephus for live probability updates throughout the tournament.

Match Previews2026-07-09· 4 min read

World Cup Quarter-Final Predictions (July 9) — Foxborough

July 9 quarter-final preview at Gillette Stadium. Tactical keys and live prediction links for the first QF of FIFA 2026.

Quarter-Final 1 — July 9, 2026

Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough · Kickoff: 16:00 EDT

The first quarter-final sets the tone for the weekend. Expect conservative opening 20 minutes — neither side wants to be the team that concedes first.

Keys to the Match

Midfield control — the team that wins the second-ball battle usually advances.
Set pieces — 30%+ of knockout goals arrive from dead balls.
Bench impact — five subs mean fresh legs after 70 minutes matter more than starters.

Live schedule · Match Center

#quarter-final#July 9#Gillette Stadium#World Cup predictions

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World Cup Quarter-Final Predictions (July 9) — Foxborough

Quarter-Final 1 — July 9, 2026

Keys to the Match

More Articles

World Cup Quarter-Final Predictions (July 9) — Foxborough

Quarter-Final 1 — July 9, 2026

Keys to the Match

More Articles