The competition will begin with 48 qualified teams, divided into 12 groups of four. Each team will play three group-stage matches, after which the top two teams from each group, along with the best eight third-placed teams, will advance to the Round of 32. The tournament will then advance to the Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semi-Finals, a Third-Place Playoff, and the Final at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Sunday, 13 December 2026.