How many teams competed in the 2018 FIFA World Cup?

The 2018 FIFA World Cup had 32 competing teams.

The tournament was held in Russia from June 14 to July 15, 2018, with the teams divided into eight groups of four. Each team played three group-stage matches, and the top two teams in every group advanced to the knockout phase.

Russia qualified automatically as host, while the other 31 teams earned places through qualifying competitions. The field represented five continental confederations: UEFA, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, CAF, and AFC. No team from Oceania qualified.

The number 32 can be confused with the 32-team format used for many editions of the men's World Cup. Beginning with the 2026 tournament, FIFA expanded the competition to 48 teams. France won the 2018 final, defeating Croatia 4–2 in Moscow, while Belgium finished third and England fourth.