FIFA World Cup 2026: Group Draw Complete, Stage Set for Major Clashes

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage has been completed in Washington D.C. A total of 48 teams will compete in the tournament, divided into 12 groups, setting the stage for several key matchups.

Host nation Mexico is in Group A alongside South Korea and South Africa. The United States, another host, will face Australia and Paraguay in Group D. The reigning champions, Argentina, have been placed in Group J with Austria, Algeria, and Jordan. Argentina will begin their campaign against Algeria.

A much-anticipated clash is set for Group I, where France will play against Norway. This match will see a face-off between star players Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. Elsewhere, England will compete against Croatia in Group L, while Brazil is set to face Morocco and Scotland in Group C.

The expanded format of this World Cup is expected to introduce a fresh dynamic to the tournament. This structure creates more opportunities for various teams to advance, potentially allowing for unexpected results as the competition progresses.

2026 FIFA World Cup Groups

Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, European Play-Off D

Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, European Play-Off A

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti

Group D: United States, Australia, Paraguay, European Play-Off C

Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curaçao

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, European Play-Off B

Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand

Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cabo Verde

Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, FIFA Play-Off Tournament 2

Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan

Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, FIFA Play-Off Tournament 1

Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana