By Olukayode Olumuyiwa.
The stage is set for the most expansive FIFA World Cup in history. In a glittering ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the final draw for the 2026 tournament unfolded Friday, slotting 48 nations into 12 groups and igniting global excitement for the North American spectacle co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With U.S. President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in attendance, the event blended soccer pomp with diplomatic flair—capped by FIFA awarding Trump its inaugural Peace Prize for “exceptional actions to promote peace and unity.”
The draw, broadcast live on FOX and FIFA’s platforms, featured soccer legends like Rio Ferdinand, Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, and Shaquille O’Neal pulling teams from pots. Unlike previous years, the top four ranked nations—Spain, Argentina, France, and England—were pre-positioned to ensure they can’t clash before the semifinals if they top their groups, adding a layer of intrigue to the knockout pathways. Six spots remain unconfirmed, pending UEFA and intercontinental playoffs, but the core matchups promise fireworks from June 11 to July 19 across 16 venues in 11 U.S. cities, plus sites in Canada and Mexico.
Hosts drew enviable hands, boosting hopes for deep runs. The U.S. men’s national team (USMNT), seeded in Group D, landed Australia (FIFA rank 26), Paraguay (58), and the winner of UEFA Playoff D (featuring Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia, and Kosovo). Analysts hailed it as a “dream draw,” with USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter eyeing a group-stage clinch. “We’re thrilled—manageable opponents, home crowds, and a clear path forward,” Berhalter said post-draw. Mexico kicks off the tournament on June 10 against South Africa in Group A, joined by South Korea and UEFA Playoff C (Denmark, North Macedonia, Ireland, Czechia). Canada, in Group B, faces Switzerland, Qatar, and UEFA Playoff A (Wales, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Italy, Northern Ireland)—a mix of pedigree and opportunity.
Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi in what could be his swan song, drew Algeria, Austria, and Jordan in Group E—a kinder fate than some feared, allowing the South Americans to chase back-to-back titles without early juggernauts. Brazil, in Group C, welcomes Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti, setting up a samba showcase against African and European challengers. Reigning European champions Spain (Group F) meet Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and Cabo Verde, while France (Group I) braces for a sterner test with Senegal, Norway, and an intercontinental playoff winner (Iraq, Bolivia, or Suriname).
The so-called “groups of death” emerged in Groups H and L. Group H pits Germany against Ecuador, Serbia, and Curaçao, but the real heat simmers in Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, and Ghana—a cauldron of tactical nous, physicality, and raw talent that could claim multiple heavyweights. Portugal (Group K) drew an intercontinental playoff winner, Uzbekistan, and Colombia, promising Cristiano Ronaldo’s flair against South American steel.
FIFA’s expanded format—up from 32 teams—ushers in more diverse contenders, with 24 group winners and eight best runners-up advancing to the round of 32. Venues and exact kickoff times drop Saturday at noon ET, factoring in weather, time zones, and fan access. Tickets go on sale soon via FIFA.com, with early buzz around U.S. openers at SoFi Stadium.
As confetti settled, FIFA President Gianni Infantino called it “the dawn of a new era in football.” For the USMNT, eyeing a first title since 1950, it’s a launchpad; for underdogs like Haiti and Curaçao, a shot at glory. With 104 matches on tap, the 2026 World Cup isn’t just bigger—it’s bolder.
Full Group Stage Draw
Group A
- Mexico (Pot 1, seeded)
- South Korea (Pot 2)
- South Africa (Pot 3)
- UEFA Playoff C Winner (Denmark / North Macedonia / Ireland / Czechia) (Pot 4)
Group B
- Canada (Pot 1, seeded)
- Switzerland (Pot 2)
- Qatar (Pot 3)
- UEFA Playoff A Winner (Wales / Bosnia & Herzegovina / Italy / Northern Ireland) (Pot 4)
Group C
- Brazil (Pot 1, seeded)
- Morocco (Pot 2)
- Scotland (Pot 3)
- Haiti (Pot 4)
Group D
- USA (Pot 1, seeded)
- Australia (Pot 2)
- Paraguay (Pot 3)
- UEFA Playoff D Winner (Türkiye / Romania / Slovakia / Kosovo) (Pot 4)
Group E
- Argentina (Pot 1, seeded)
- Algeria (Pot 2)
- Austria (Pot 3)
- Jordan (Pot 4)
Group F
- Spain (Pot 1, seeded)
- Uruguay (Pot 2)
- Saudi Arabia (Pot 3)
- Cabo Verde (Pot 4)
Group G
- France (Pot 1, seeded)
- Senegal (Pot 2)
- Norway (Pot 3)
- Intercontinental Playoff Winner (Iraq / Bolivia / Suriname) (Pot 4)
Group H
- Germany (Pot 1, seeded)
- Ecuador (Pot 2)
- Serbia (Pot 3)
- Curaçao (Pot 4)
Group I
- Netherlands (Pot 1, seeded)
- Japan (Pot 2)
- Peru (Pot 3)
- New Zealand (Pot 4)
Group J
- Belgium (Pot 1, seeded)
- Cameroon (Pot 2)
- Venezuela (Pot 3)
- Tunisia (Pot 4)
Group K
- Portugal (Pot 1, seeded)
- Intercontinental Playoff Winner (Pot 2)
- Uzbekistan (Pot 3)
- Colombia (Pot 4)
Group L
- England (Pot 1, seeded)
- Croatia (Pot 2)
- Panama (Pot 3)
- Ghana (Pot 4)
Galaxy Sports Production
Should we send you latest update about your favourite sports and team?
Enter you email in the box below and hit the subscribe button to join our teaming 876+ sports community.
