FIFA completed the draw for the 2026 World Cup on Friday, allocating 48 teams into 12 groups for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with several intriguing matchups emerging in the first-ever expanded finals.
The ceremony, held at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, featured hosts Kevin Hart, Heidi Klum and Danny Ramirez, alongside draw conductors including former England defender Rio Ferdinand.
The tournament opens on June 11, 2026, with Mexico facing South Africa at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, marking the third time the iconic venue will host a World Cup opener.
Key groups include:
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, European Playoff D winner
Group B: Canada, European Playoff A winner, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, European Playoff C winner
Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, European Playoff B winner, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, intercontinental playoff 2 winner, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, intercontinental playoff 1 winner, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panamac
Standout fixtures include a rematch of the 2002 opener between France and Senegal in Group I, while Group L pits England against 2018 finalists Croatia alongside African powerhouse Ghana.
Hosts the United States were drawn in Group D with South American side Paraguay and Oceania representatives Australia, plus a European playoff winner.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino hailed the event, stating earlier: “This will be the greatest World Cup ever, the greatest event mankind will ever see.”
The draw followed the presentation of FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize, with six slots still to be filled via playoffs.
Full match schedules, including venues and kickoff times, are set to be announced on Saturday.
The finals run until July 19, 2026, with the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the round of 32.
