The group stage lineup for the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup has been finalized following the official draw held in Washington D.C. The tournament, which will feature an expanded 48-team format, will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Co-hosts Mexico will kick off the global competition when they face South Africa in the opening match.
Defending champions Argentina have been placed in Group J, where they will begin their quest for another title against Algeria, Austria, and debutants Jordan.
Brazil, the tournament’s most successful team with five titles, landed in a challenging Group C alongside Morocco — semifinalists in 2022 — as well as Scotland and Haiti.
Meanwhile, France will battle African champions Senegal, Norway, and a playoff qualifier in Group I, while England leads Group L, which also includes Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.
Full Group Breakdown:
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Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Qualifier
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Group B: Canada, Qualifier, Qatar, Switzerland
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Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
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Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Qualifier
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Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
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Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Qualifier, Tunisia
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Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
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Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
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Group I: France, Senegal, Qualifier, Norway
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Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
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Group K: Portugal, Qualifier, Uzbekistan, Colombia
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Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
FIFA is expected to release the complete match schedule — including stadiums and kick-off times — on Saturday at 6 p.m. GMT.
