- Biggest World Cup ever: 48 teams across 16 cities in three co-host countries, with the final set for July 19.
- New format adds a Round of 32 — teams play 3 group games plus five knockout rounds, so the champion will need eight matches (one more than before).
- Advancement: top two in each group plus the best eight third-place teams progress; ties are settled by head-to-head, goal difference, goals scored, conduct (cards) and then FIFA ranking.
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