The Germans are ready to welcome the world as the country proudly hosts the 2006 World Cup in June and July. There will be eight groups, with four teams in each group. There will be 3 matches for every team at the group stage. The top two from each group go through to the next stage. This is now a knockout stage - 16 matches, group winners face group runner ups. The quarter final is next to take place, then the semi finals. The losing semi finalists play a 3rd place final. The main final takes place on July 9th in Berlin.