FIFA World Cup 2026 Groups Announced After Spectacular Final Draw

Overview

The final draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026 unveiled the complete group lineup during a spectacular ceremony in Washington, DC. The tournament will begin on June 11, featuring expanded groups exciting rematches and special seeding rules designed to shape a highly competitive global football event.

The final draw event in Washington, DC revealed all groups for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Image Source: Instagram/@fifa — Edited & Modified by Us

The stage is officially set for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after an impressive draw ceremony held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. The event revealed the full group stage lineup for the expanded 48 team competition across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Tournament Opener and Early Highlights

The World Cup will kick off on June 11 with co host Mexico facing South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Several eye catching fixtures were announced including matchups involving Brazil, Morocco, Japan, the Netherlands, and a nostalgic France vs. Senegal rematch referencing their historic 2002 clash.

On the second day co hosts United States and Canada take the field.

The USA will meet Paraguay in Los Angeles.

Canada will face a play off winner expected to be Italy in Toronto.

Defending Champions and Key Contenders

Argentina, the reigning champions, landed in a group with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.

Five time winners Brazil join a competitive pool alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland.

England start their journey against Croatia, the team that knocked them out of the 2018 semi finals and they will also play Panama.

New Seeding Rules for Top Ranked Teams

FIFA introduced a notable change for this tournament: the top four teams in the FIFA World Rankings Spain, Argentina, France, and England have been given exclusive seedings.

This ensures they cannot face each other until the semi finals, provided each team wins its group.

Match Scheduling and Host City Logistics

While the groups are confirmed, match venues and kick off timings for teams outside host nations groups will be disclosed on Saturday. FIFA aims to fine tune the schedule to maximize viewership across global broadcasting markets.

Complete FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage Draw

Below is the full grouping for the 48 team tournament featuring 12 groups of four with matches taking place across 16 cities from June 11 to July 19.

Official Group Breakdown

Group A

Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Winner of UEFA Play off D

Group B

Canada, Winner of UEFA Play off A, Qatar, Switzerland

Group C

Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Group D

USA, Paraguay, Australia, Winner of UEFA Play off C

Group E

Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador

Group F

Netherlands, Japan, Winner of UEFA Play off B, Tunisia

Group G

Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

Group H

Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group I

France, Senegal, Winner of FIFA Play off 2, Norway

Group J

Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Group K

Portugal, Winner of FIFA Play off 1, Uzbekistan, Colombia

Group L

England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

Play off Paths

UEFA Play off A:

Italy, Wales, Bosnia Herzegovina, Northern Ireland

UEFA Play off B:

Ukraine, Poland, Albania, Sweden

UEFA Play off C:

Turkey, Slovakia, Kosovo, Romania

UEFA Play off D:

Denmark, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, North Macedonia

FIFA Play off 1:

DR Congo, Jamaica, New Caledonia

FIFA Play off 2:

Iraq, Bolivia, Suriname

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