Each of the 48 teams was assigned to one of twelve groups of four clubs. The top two teams from each group, along with the six best eighth-placed teams (excluding the three group winners to avoid overlap), will progress to the knockout stage following the group stage.

Sun, 03 May 2026 10:48:25 +0000

**Why U.S. Sports Fans Are Tracking How 48 Teams Were Sorted Into Groups — and What It Means for the Knockout Stage** In the world of competitive sports leagues, organization shapes every game-day decision — from scheduling to matchups, fairness matters, and so does transparency. Right now, curious fans and sports analysts alike are noticing a detailed step happening behind the scenes: the assignment of 48 teams into twelve groups of four clubs. This seemingly logistical process is drawing attention not just for fairness, but for how it influences the path to the knockout stage — and what it says about modern sports scheduling. Each club is carefully placed into one of twelve groups of four teams, ensuring balanced competition. From the initial draw, the top two clubs from every group automatically advance, but the knockout stage also includes six other strong performers — the sixth-best teams across all groups, excluding the three group winners to prevent overlap. This hybrid approach preserves merit while allowing a broader look at performance. **Why This Grouping Pattern Is Gaining Attention**