⚽ World Cup Groups Finalised in Star-Studded Draw for 2026 Tournament

The road map for the expanded FIFA World Cup 2026 is complete! To the backdrop of a glittering ceremony and the sounds of the Village People’s “YMCA,” the final draw for the group stage took place in Washington, D.C., setting the stage for historical clashes and early drama in the USA, Canada, and Mexico next year.

With 42 qualified teams and 6 spots still to be decided via play-offs in March, the 12 groups of four are now known. The tournament’s opening match will see co-host Mexico take on South Africa in Group A on June 11, 2026. Fellow hosts, the USA, were drawn into Group D alongside Paraguay and Australia.

Potential "Group of Death" contenders immediately emerged. Many eyes are on Group L, featuring England, 2018 semi-final opponents Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. Another demanding section is Group I, which pits a powerhouse France against African giants Senegal and a formidable Norway, boasting star striker Erling Haaland.

Historic match-ups abound, including the smallest nation in tournament history, Curacao, being drawn to face giants Germany in Group E. Meanwhile, Brazil and 2022 semi-finalists Morocco will face each other in their Group C opener, which also includes Haiti and Scotland. The host nations Canada and the USA are set to begin their campaigns against tough opponents, with Canada opening against the winner of a UEFA Play-off path.

The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place teams, will progress to a new Round of 32 in the biggest World Cup ever.