The complete lineup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage has been confirmed, revealing a challenging path for defending champions Argentina and a potential “Group of Death” for France.
The draw for the 48-team tournament—the largest in history—took place on Saturday, setting the stage for next summer’s competition across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. While 42 nations have booked their tickets, six spots remain to be decided in the March play-offs.
The “Group of Death”
All eyes are on Group I, where 2018 winners France have been drawn alongside African champions Senegal and Erling Haaland’s Norway. The group is widely considered the toughest of the tournament, with the final spot going to the winner of an intercontinental play-off (Iraq, Bolivia, or Suriname). The clash between France and Senegal will be a highly anticipated rematch of the shock opening game at the 2002 World Cup.
Home Nations: Old Rivals and Historic Returns
England (Group L) will face a familiar foe in Croatia, the team that knocked them out of the 2018 semi-finals. They are also joined by Ghana and Panama.
Scotland (Group C) faces a daunting task in their first World Cup appearance since 1998. In a twist of fate, they have been reunited with Brazil and Morocco—two opponents they played in their last tournament 28 years ago. Haiti completes the group.
The Republic of Ireland, Wales, and Northern Ireland still have work to do in the play-offs:
- Ireland could land in Group A with co-hosts Mexico, South Korea, and South Africa.
- Wales or Northern Ireland are vying for a spot in Group B alongside co-hosts Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar.
Co-Hosts’ Paths
- Mexico (Group A) kicks off the tournament and faces a competitive group including South Africa and South Korea.
- Canada (Group B) will play Switzerland and Qatar.
- USA (Group D) has been drawn against Australia and Paraguay, with a final European opponent (potentially Turkey or Romania) to be decided.
Rest of the World
Defending champions Argentina headline Group J, facing Austria, Algeria, and Jordan. European heavyweights Spain (Group H) take on Uruguay, while Germany (Group E) meets Ecuador and Ivory Coast.
World Cup 2026: Complete Group List
- Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, Play-off Winner D (e.g., Rep. of Ireland)
- Group B: Canada, Qatar, Switzerland, Play-off Winner A (e.g., Wales/N. Ireland/Italy)
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
- Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Play-off Winner C
- Group E: Germany, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Curaçao
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Play-off Winner B
- Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
- Group H: Spain, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Cape Verde
- Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, FIFA Play-off 2
- Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
- Group K: Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia, FIFA Play-off 1
- Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana
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