The 2026 World Cup draw determines not only the groups but also the knockout bracket. And as happens in every World Cup, one side of the bracket seems more accessible than the other. Let's see what the path to the final holds.
New Format Structure
With 48 teams divided into 12 groups of 4, the top two from each group plus the 8 best third-placed teams advance to a round of 32. From there, the bracket is defined by group position.
The "Easy" Side
One side of the bracket has concentrated several teams considered "accessible." Winners of certain groups avoid the big favorites until the quarterfinals or even semifinals, allowing them to arrive fresh at the decisive rounds.
The "Difficult" Side
The other side of the bracket is a minefield. Potential clashes between big favorites from the round of 16 mean some title candidates will eliminate each other before reaching the semifinals.
Analysis by Potential Matchups
The most interesting matchups could occur in the quarterfinals, where the bracket brings together teams that have avoided meeting until that point.
Strategy: Is It Worth Seeking the Easy Side?
Some teams might speculate about finishing second in their group to fall on the "easy" side of the bracket. But this strategy is risky.
Conclusion
The 2026 World Cup bracket offers very different paths to the final. Teams on the more accessible side will have a theoretical advantage, but in a World Cup anything can happen.
