The FIFA World Cup 2026 draw, held on December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Centre in Washington, D.C., has set the stage for an expanded 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Top seeds, including Spain, Argentina, France, and England, were placed in separate brackets to potentially meet in the later knockout rounds. The hosts received favourable openings: the USA will face Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on June 12, Mexico opens against South Africa, and Canada faces Switzerland and Qatar.
The draw promises several high-profile clashes, including England vs. Croatia, Spain vs. Uruguay, and Portugal vs. Colombia. Some groups are shaping up as “Groups of Death,” such as France with Senegal and Norway, and England with Croatia and Ghana.
Historic moments await debutants Cape Verde, Haiti, and Curaçao, with Curaçao becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify by population. Six spots remain undecided and will be filled via March 2026 playoffs (four UEFA, two inter-confederation).
Ghana’s Black Stars are drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama, presenting a tough challenge against two European heavyweights both quarter-finalists at Qatar 2022. Morocco will face Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti in Group C, while Senegal meets France for the first time since their 2002 World Cup opening clash. South Africa vs. Mexico will headline the tournament opener, echoing the 2010 World Cup’s opening match that ended 1-1.
Full Group Breakdown:
- Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Playoff D
- Group B: Canada, Playoff A, Qatar, Switzerland
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
- Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Playoff C
- Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Playoff B, Tunisia
- Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
- Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia
- Group I: France, Senegal, Playoff 2, Norway
- Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
- Group K: Portugal, Playoff 1, Colombia, Uzbekistan
- Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the Round of 32. Full match schedules are expected to be released on December 6, 2025.
