2026 World Cup Groups: Everything You Need to Know

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the biggest tournament in the event's history, with 48 national teams competing across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The final draw, held in Washington D.C., produced 12 groups filled with exciting matchups, rising football nations, and a good mix of favourites and dark horses.

Below is a clear breakdown of all groups, plus what to expect from this expanded tournament.

A New Format for a Bigger Tournament

For the first time, the World Cup features 12 groups (A–L), each with four teams.
The top two teams from every group will qualify automatically for the knockout rounds, and additional third-place teams will also progress based on their results.

The expansion creates more opportunities for emerging football nations while still keeping the traditional powerhouses in the spotlight.

All 12 Groups for the 2026 World Cup

Group A

Mexico
South Korea
South Africa
UEFA Playoff Winner (to be confirmed)

Overview:
As hosts, Mexico will feel confident, but this group is no easy walk. South Korea's discipline, South Africa's athleticism, and a strong European playoff winner could create one of the trickiest groups in the tournament.

Group B

Canada
Switzerland
Qatar
UEFA Playoff Winner

Overview:
Canada returns with home support behind them. Switzerland's structure and Qatar's experience from 2022 add balance, but the playoff winner could swing the difficulty of this group.

Group C

Brazil
Morocco
Scotland
Haiti

Overview:
Brazil are obvious favorites, but Morocco — semifinalists in 2022 — will make this group competitive. Scotland and Haiti will fight hard for an upset.

Group D

United States
Paraguay
Australia
UEFA Playoff Winner

Overview:
The U.S. has a winnable group, but Paraguay's toughness and Australia's consistency make it far from simple. The final European team could add extra tension.

Group E

Germany
Ecuador
Ivory Coast
Curaçao

Overview:
Germany will try to regain dominance, but Ecuador and Ivory Coast are dangerous opponents. Curaçao enters as a lively underdog.

Group F

Netherlands
Japan
Tunisia
UEFA Playoff Winner

Overview:
Netherlands and Japan are the early favorites, but Tunisia's compact style and the mystery playoff team add uncertainty.

Group G

Belgium
Iran
Egypt
New Zealand

Overview:
Belgium's golden generation may be aging, but they remain strong. Egypt, with Mohamed Salah, can surprise anyone, while Iran and New Zealand add extra layers to the competition.

Group H

Spain
Uruguay
Saudi Arabia
Cape Verde

Overview:
Spain and Uruguay headline the group, but Saudi Arabia has shocked big teams before. Cape Verde will look to make their first major impression.

Group I

France
Senegal
Norway
Playoff Winner

Overview:
This group is one to watch. France and Senegal are top-tier, while Norway — with Erling Haaland — brings firepower. The playoff team could make this a "Group of Death."

Group J

Argentina
Austria
Algeria
Jordan

Overview:
Argentina will be strong favorites, but Austria and Algeria are capable of physically intense games. Jordan arrives as a newcomer with nothing to lose.

Group K

Portugal
Colombia
Uzbekistan
Playoff Winner

Overview:
Portugal's technical quality, Colombia's energy, and Uzbekistan's rising talent make this a very competitive section. The playoff winner could add more unpredictability.

Group L

England
Croatia
Ghana
Panama

Overview:
England and Croatia meet again after past World Cup clashes. Ghana brings speed and power, while Panama will aim to disrupt the group with disciplined defending.

Refer China