2026 World Cup Draw: Complete Groups, Key Matchups, and "Group of Death" Revealed

WASHINGTON D.C. — The path to glory for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been charted. In a star-studded ceremony held at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on Friday, December 5, 2025, FIFA unveiled the 12 groups for the first-ever 48-team tournament.

With co-hosts USA, Mexico, and Canada leading the charge, the draw has produced some mouth-watering clashes, including a high-stakes rematch for England and a historic opening game for Mexico.

2026 FIFA World Cup: Official Group Stage Draw

The Groups (A-L)

The expanded format features 12 groups of four teams. The top two from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the new Round of 32.

• Group A: Mexico (Host), South Korea, South Africa, UEFA Playoff Winner (Path D)

• Group B: Canada (Host), Switzerland, Qatar, UEFA Playoff Winner (Path A)

• Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti

• Group D: USA (Host), Australia, Paraguay, Pot 4 Team (TBD)

• Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curaçao

• Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Pot 4 Team (TBD)

• Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, Pot 4 Team (TBD)

• Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Pot 4 Team (TBD)

• Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, Pot 4 Team (TBD)

• Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Pot 4 Team (TBD)

• Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Pot 4 Team (TBD)

• Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Pot 4 Team (TBD)

Key Storylines & Must-Watch Matches

1. The Opening Match: Mexico vs. South Africa History repeats itself on June 11, 2026, at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Mexico will kick off the tournament against South Africa, mirroring the opening game of the 2010 World Cup. That famous match ended in a 1-1 draw with a stunning strike from Siphiwe Tshabalala; El Tri will hope for a better result on home soil this time.

2. Group of Death: Group C Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland (plus Haiti) make up what many are calling the "Group of Death." Morocco, fresh off their historic semi-final run in 2022, will pose a massive test for a Scotland side looking to make an impact. With Brazil as the clear favorite, the battle for the second spot will be fierce.

3. England’s Nightmare Rematch England has been drawn into Group L alongside Croatia, setting up a tense replay of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, which ended in heartbreak for the Three Lions. They will also face Panama, an opponent they thrashed 6-1 in 2018, offering a mix of traumatic and fond memories.

4. The Hosts' Paths

• USA (Group D): The Americans face a tricky but manageable group. Their opener against Paraguay in Los Angeles (June 12) will be crucial to settle nerves before facing Australia.

• Canada (Group B): Canada lands in a deceptively tough group. They open their campaign in Toronto, potentially against a European heavyweight like Italy or Wales (depending on the Path A playoff winner), before facing Asian champions Qatar and a solid Switzerland side.

What’s Next?

While the groups are set, the final lineup is not yet 100% complete. Six spots remain up for grabs, to be decided in the March 2026 Playoffs.

• European Playoffs: Heavyweights like Italy are still fighting for their lives in the bracket.

• Intercontinental Playoffs: Teams from around the globe will duel for the final two tickets to North America.

The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026, and concludes with the final on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.