WASHINGTON, D.C. – The road to glory has been mapped out. In a star-studded ceremony in the U.S. capital on Friday, the groups for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ were officially unveiled, setting the stage for the largest sporting event in history.

With former England captain Rio Ferdinand presiding over proceedings, the football world watched as the 48 competing nations were placed into 12 groups. The expanded format promises unprecedented drama, and the draw did not disappoint, serving up mouth-watering clashes right from the opening whistle.

Headline Clashes

Defending champions Argentina, led by the ghost of their Qatar triumph, landed in Group J. They will open their defense against an Algerian side hungry for redemption after missing the last two tournaments, alongside Austria and Jordan. 

Meanwhile, 2022 runners-up France face a tricky test in Group I, where they will lock horns with Senegal and a dangerous Norway side.

Perhaps the most intriguing storyline comes from Group C, where five-time champions Brazil must navigate a fixture against 2022 semi-finalists Morocco. 

Group H also promises fireworks, pitting European giants Spain against the grit of Uruguay.

Host Nations' Paths

The three host nations learned their fate, each looking to capitalize on home advantage:

• Mexico anchors Group A, facing South Africa, Korea Republic, and a European playoff winner.
• Canada headlines Group B but faces a stern test against Switzerland, Qatar, and a potentially high-profile European qualifier (possibly Italy).
• The United States sits atop Group D, preparing for battles against Paraguay, Australia, and a European playoff victor.

A New Era

This tournament marks a tactical evolution for world football. With the introduction of a Round of 32, the margin for error has slimmed. Only the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed teams will survive the group stage.

This will be followed, for the winners, by the traditional Round of 16, Quarter-finals, and Semi-finals, leading up to the Grand Final hosted at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026. The whole world is already looking forward to it.

Group A

Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, Winner of Czechia/Republic of Ireland - Denmark/North Macedonia

Group B

Canada, Winner of Wales/Bosnia-Herzegovina - Italy/Northern Ireland, Qatar, Switzerland

Group C

Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Group D

USA, Paraguay, Australia, Winner of Slovakia/Kosovo - Turkey/Romania

Group E

Germany, Curaçao, Côte d'Ivoire, Ecuador

Group F

Netherlands, Japan, Winner of Ukraine/Sweden - Poland/Albania, Tunisia

Group G

Belgium, Egypt, IR Iran, New Zealand

Group H

Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group I

France, Senegal, Winner of Iraq - Bolivia/Suriname, Norway

Group J

Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Group K

Portugal, Winner of DR Congo - New Caledonia/Jamaica, Uzbekistan, Colombia

Group L

England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama