The 2026 FIFA World Cup features an expanded 48-team format with 16 round-of-32 knockout matches beginning June 28, followed by the traditional round of 16 through the final, creating more opportunities for extra time than prior editions. Group-stage fixtures, which open June 11, cannot extend beyond 90 minutes plus stoppage time and may finish level. Knockout ties after regulation proceed to two 15-minute extra-time periods before penalties, with teams gaining one additional substitution in that window. Trader positioning reflects historical extra-time frequency in high-stakes World Cup knockout ties, bracket matchups between evenly matched sides, and factors such as squad depth, travel across North American venues, and recent form heading into the expanded stage. No late roster changes or weather alerts have yet altered expectations for the opening knockout window.