FIFA World Cup 2026 Groups: Draw Results & Preview

The FIFA World Cup 2026 draw is complete. History was made at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. as the first 48-team World Cup took shape. Three nations will host this tournament together. The United States, Canada, and Mexico each got their group assignments. Fans around the world now know which teams will face off in the group stage.

The draw delivered plenty of drama. England gets a revenge match against Croatia. Germany landed an easy path. The host nations received favorable groups. Some traditional powers face tough challenges while others got lucky breaks. Six playoff spots remain open until March 2026. The final group compositions will change once those playoffs conclude.

This complete breakdown covers every group, key matchups, and predictions for the tournament. The road to the World Cup final starts here.

How the 2026 World Cup Draw Worked

The 2026 World Cup expands from 32 teams to 48 teams. This creates 12 groups of four teams each instead of eight groups. FIFA organized qualified teams into four pots based on their rankings. Each pot contains 12 teams.

The three host nations received automatic spots in Pot 1. Mexico was assigned to Group A. Canada took Group B. The United States landed in Group D. This spread the hosts across the tournament and gave each nation home advantage during group play.

Teams from each pot were drawn randomly into groups. One important rule applies: no group can have more than one team from the same continent. Europe gets an exception and can place two teams per group. This continental balance prevents all European or South American powers from clustering together.

The draw also considered knockout bracket positioning. The highest-ranked teams were placed to avoid each other until later rounds. This means Brazil and Argentina cannot meet in the Round of 32 even if both win their groups.

Six spots remain empty in the draw. Four spots go to European teams through playoff matches. Two spots go to winners from FIFA’s global playoff system. These playoffs happen in March 2026. Groups A, B, C, D, F, I, and K will not have complete rosters until those matches finish.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Complete Group Table

Group	Teams
A	Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Euro Playoff D Winner
B	Canada, Euro Playoff A Winner, Qatar, Switzerland
C	Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
D	USA, Paraguay, Australia, Euro Playoff C Winner
E	Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
F	Netherlands, Japan, Euro Playoff B Winner, Tunisia
G	Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
H	Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
I	France, Senegal, FIFA Playoff 2 Winner, Norway
J	Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
K	Portugal, FIFA Playoff 1 Winner, Uzbekistan, Colombia
L	England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

Playoff Teams to be Determined in March 2026:

• Euro Playoff A: Italy, Bosnia, Wales, or Northern Ireland
• Euro Playoff B: Ukraine, Poland, Albania, or Sweden
• Euro Playoff C: Slovakia, Kosovo, Turkey, or Romania
• Euro Playoff D: Denmark, Ireland, Czech Republic, or North Macedonia
• FIFA Playoff 1: Jamaica, DR Congo, or New Caledonia
• FIFA Playoff 2: Bolivia, Iraq, or Suriname

Complete Group-by-Group Breakdown & Preview

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Euro Playoff D

Strength: Weak | Favorites: Mexico, South Korea

Mexico received the best possible draw as hosts. The group ranks as weak and gives El Tri an excellent chance to advance on home soil. South Korea brings World Cup experience and technical quality. South Africa returns after missing recent tournaments. The European playoff winner could be Denmark, Ireland, Czech Republic, or North Macedonia. Denmark would make this group tougher. Mexico should win the group with South Korea taking second place.

Group B: Canada, Euro Playoff A, Qatar, Switzerland

Strength: Weak | Favorites: Switzerland, Canada

Canada got a favorable group as co-hosts. Switzerland represents the biggest threat with their consistent tournament performances. Qatar won the 2023 Asian Cup and should not be underestimated. The European playoff could bring Italy, which would transform this group completely. Italy’s return would create must-watch matches. Switzerland likely tops the group with Canada finishing second unless Italy qualifies.

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Strength: Moderate | Favorites: Brazil, Morocco

Brazil should cruise through this balanced group. Morocco reached the 2022 semifinals and brings organized defending and counterattacking threat. Scotland returns to the World Cup after 28 years away. Haiti makes their World Cup debut as underdogs. Morocco’s defensive strength will test Brazil’s patience. Brazil wins the group with Morocco taking second place.

Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Euro Playoff C

Strength: Moderate | Favorites: USA, Paraguay

The United States got a manageable draw as hosts. Paraguay brings South American grit and tactical discipline. Australia offers tournament experience and physical intensity. The European playoff includes Slovakia, Kosovo, Turkey, or Romania. Turkey would add the most intrigue. The USA should top this group with home advantage. Paraguay likely finishes second.

Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador

Strength: Weak | Favorites: Germany, Ecuador

Germany received the easiest draw of any traditional power. Curaçao makes their World Cup debut as the tournament’s smallest nation. Ivory Coast has talented players but faces tough competition for second place. Ecuador brings South American quality and should secure the runner-up spot. Germany cruises through with Ecuador advancing behind them.

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Euro Playoff B, Tunisia

Strength: Strong | Favorites: Netherlands, Japan

This group ranks as one of the toughest. The Netherlands brings total football philosophy and tournament pedigree. Japan shocked Germany and Spain in 2022 and can beat anyone. Tunisia defends well and frustrates bigger teams. The European playoff could bring Ukraine, Poland, Albania, or Sweden. Any of those teams makes this group even harder. Netherlands and Japan should advance but expect close matches throughout.

Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

Strength: Weak | Favorites: Belgium, Egypt

Belgium’s Golden Generation gets another manageable draw. Egypt brings African quality and Mohamed Salah’s brilliance. Iran defends well and caused problems at the 2022 World Cup. New Zealand represents Oceania with pride and organization. Belgium should win the group with Egypt taking second place.

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

Strength: Moderate | Favorites: Spain, Uruguay

Spain faces a genuine South American test from Uruguay. Cape Verde makes their World Cup debut with nothing to lose. Saudi Arabia shocked Argentina in 2022 and can spring upsets. The Spain versus Uruguay match determines the group winner. Both teams should advance with Spain topping the group.

Group I: France, Senegal, FIFA Playoff 2, Norway

Strength: Strong | Favorites: France, Senegal

France defends their title in a challenging group. Senegal reached the 2022 Round of 16 and has grown stronger. Norway brings attacking football and young talent. The FIFA playoff winner comes from Bolivia, Iraq, or Suriname. France should win but Senegal will push them hard. Both teams advance with France on top.

Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Strength: Moderate | Favorites: Argentina, Austria

Argentina defends their championship against quality opposition. Algeria brings African champions pedigree and organized play. Austria plays aggressive pressing football. Jordan makes their World Cup debut as underdogs. Argentina tops the group with Austria likely finishing second.

Group K: Portugal, FIFA Playoff 1, Uzbekistan, Colombia

Strength: Moderate | Favorites: Portugal, Colombia

Portugal faces a genuine challenge from Colombia. Uzbekistan makes their first World Cup appearance. The FIFA playoff winner comes from Jamaica, DR Congo, or New Caledonia. Colombia has the quality to upset Portugal. This group could go either way. Portugal edges it with Colombia taking second place.

Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

Strength: Strong | Favorites: England, Croatia

The revenge match everyone wanted. England gets their chance to avenge the 2018 semifinal loss to Croatia. Ghana brings African talent and upset potential. Panama makes their second World Cup appearance. The England versus Croatia match will be intense and emotional. England wins the group with Croatia finishing second.

The Groups of Death Analysis

Three groups stand out as particularly dangerous where quality runs deep and every match matters.

Group F: The Tactical Battleground

The Netherlands, Japan, a strong European playoff team, and Tunisia create genuine competition throughout. Japan proved at the 2022 World Cup they can beat European giants. Tunisia defends well and frustrates bigger names. The European playoff could bring Ukraine or Poland. No easy matches exist here. This group likely goes down to the final matchday.

Group I: The Champions’ Challenge

France defending their title faces Senegal’s quality and Norway’s energy. Senegal will relish facing their former colonizer. Norway plays attacking football that could trouble anyone. France has the talent to dominate but cannot afford complacency. One slip-up and this group becomes complicated.

Group L: Revenge and Rivalry

England versus Croatia delivers the group stage’s biggest storyline. The 2018 semifinal still haunts English fans. Ghana adds African talent to the mix. This group has intensity and quality throughout. England and Croatia should advance but the psychological stakes are massive.

Easiest Paths to Round of 32

Some traditional powers landed favorable draws that offer smooth passage to the knockout rounds.

Mexico got the best situation as hosts. Group A ranks as weak and El Tri plays at home with massive crowd support. South Korea provides the only real challenge. Mexico should build confidence and momentum through this group.

Canada received a weak group that gives them genuine hope of advancing. Switzerland represents the toughest opponent. Home advantage could prove decisive in tight matches. Canada has their best World Cup chance in decades.

Germany landed the easiest draw of any European giant. Group E features no other established power. Curaçao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador all face uphill battles against German quality. This group serves as a confidence builder for Die Mannschaft.

Belgium’s Golden Generation faces another manageable draw in Group G. Egypt provides a test but Belgium has superior talent throughout. Iran and New Zealand complete a group that should not prevent Belgian advancement.

Host Nations Analysis

Three nations sharing hosting duties creates unique advantages and challenges.

Mexico (Group A): The Golden Draw

Mexico landed the most favorable situation of any host in World Cup history. The weak group and home matches at Estadio Azteca give El Tri massive advantages. Mexican fans should feel confident about reaching the knockout rounds. The home crowd alone provides significant edge against South Korea and South Africa.

Canada (Group B): Building on Home Support

Canada’s World Cup journey continues with realistic advancement hopes. The weak group and home matches create perfect conditions for success. Switzerland represents the biggest challenge but Canadian fans will create incredible atmospheres. This could be Canada’s breakthrough tournament moment.

USA (Group D): Balanced Opportunity

The United States received a moderate draw that tests without overwhelming. Paraguay brings South American quality while Australia offers physicality. Home advantage across multiple American cities gives the USA strong support throughout. Americans should feel optimistic about advancement and potentially making a deep run.

All three hosts avoided the tournament’s absolute toughest groups. History shows host nations consistently outperform expectations. The 2026 tournament could see all three hosts advance together.

Key Matchups to Watch

England vs Croatia (Group L): The Revenge Match

This match carries eight years of emotional baggage. Croatia knocked England out of the 2018 semifinals in heartbreaking fashion. English fans have waited for this rematch. Both teams have quality and tournament experience. The psychological stakes elevate this beyond a typical group match. This determines the group winner and sets the tone for both tournaments.

Spain vs Uruguay (Group H): Clash of Philosophies

Spain’s possession football meets Uruguay’s pragmatic defending. These contrasting styles create tactical chess matches where one moment decides everything. Spain dominates the ball while Uruguay defends deep and strikes on counters. Both teams want to prove themselves as championship contenders.

Netherlands vs Japan (Group F): Technical Showcase

Two technically gifted teams face off in a match that should showcase beautiful football. The Netherlands plays total football while Japan combines technique with incredible work rate. Japan shocked European powers in 2022 and will believe they can beat the Dutch. This match likely determines who tops Group F.

France vs Senegal (Group I): Colonial History Meets Football

The historical context adds extra meaning to this matchup. Senegal will desperately want to beat their former colonizer. Many Senegalese players compete in French leagues and know their opponents well. France has superior talent but Senegal’s physicality and organization make them dangerous.

USA vs Paraguay (Group D): Styles Collide

CONCACAF versus CONMEBOL always produces intense matches. American youth and home support face South American tactical discipline. Paraguay knows how to frustrate opponents and grind results. The home crowd will be electric but Paraguay has played in hostile environments before.

Playoff Winners: The X-Factor

Six teams remain unknown and will be determined through March 2026 playoff matches.

European Playoffs

Four paths feed into different groups. Playoff A includes Italy, Bosnia, Wales, and Northern Ireland heading to Group B. Italy’s qualification would transform that group completely. Playoff B sends Ukraine, Poland, Albania, or Sweden to Group F. Any of those teams makes a strong group even tougher.

Playoff C puts Slovakia, Kosovo, Turkey, or Romania in Group D with the USA. Turkey brings the most intrigue but even they would not overwhelm American hopes. Playoff D sends Denmark, Ireland, Czech Republic, or North Macedonia to Group A with Mexico. Denmark would significantly upgrade that weak group.

FIFA Playoffs

Two global playoff spots remain open. Playoff 1 sends Jamaica, DR Congo, or New Caledonia to Group K with Portugal. Jamaica would bring CONCACAF experience while DR Congo offers African unpredictability. Playoff 2 puts Bolivia, Iraq, or Suriname in Group I with France. Whoever qualifies plays with freedom and nothing to lose.

These playoff results will not be known until March 2026. Teams must prepare for multiple scenarios when planning their tournament strategies.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Groups FAQs