The countdown to the biggest World Cup in history officially kicked into high gear on Friday in Washington, D.C., where the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup unveiled the 12 groups that will shape football’s biggest stage.
With the tournament set to unfold across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026, anticipation has reached fever pitch.
This edition marks a historic shift for global football, the first World Cup hosted by three nations and the first to welcome an expanded cast of 48 teams.
The new format introduces 12 groups of four, with the top two teams and the eight best third-placed teams advancing, creating more pathways to glory and more room for surprises.
The draw itself delivered drama in abundance. Defending champions Brazil landed in a fascinating Group C, where they will clash with Morocco’s fearless Atlas Lions, a resurgent Scotland, and the unpredictable Haiti. Across the continent,
African giants like Ghana, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Senegal, Algeria, and Cape Verde now have a clear picture of their group-stage battles as they plot their route through football’s grandest tournament.
Global heavyweights Germany, Argentina, Spain, France, Portugal, and England all learned the journeys that could define their destiny.
Meanwhile, rising football nations will be eyeing their groups with hope, knowing that the expanded format might just open the door to a historic breakthrough.
With coaches already sketching out tactical blueprints, fans debating early favourites, and analysts scanning the brackets for potential “groups of death,” the road to 2026 has officially begun.
The full match schedule, including venues and kickoff times across North America, will be announced shortly, setting the stage for a World Cup designed to be bigger, louder, and more globally inclusive than ever.
Full Group Stage Draw—FIFA World Cup 2026
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: USA, 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, Cape Verde
Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, FIFA Playoff Tournament 2
Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, FIFA Playoff Tournament 1
Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana