The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, held at Washington, D.C.'s John F. Kennedy Center on December 6, 2025, unveiled a fiercely competitive landscape for the tournament's first 48-team format. Co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the event divided teams into 12 groups of four, with matches set to begin on June 11, 2026.
Mexico will open the tournament against South Africa at Mexico City's iconic Azteca Stadium, while co-hosts face varied challenges. Canada's Group B could see a high-stakes clash with Italy pending playoff results, alongside Switzerland and Qatar. The United States secured a favorable draw with Paraguay, Australia, and a playoff qualifier.
Five-time champions Brazil headline Group F against 2022 semifinalists Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. Defending champions Argentina will contend with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. A marquee Group I matchup pairs France's Kylian Mbappé and Norway's Erling Haaland, with African powerhouse Senegal completing the quartet.
Traditional rivals England and Croatia reunite in Group L, both considered strong title contenders. Ghana and Panama face uphill battles in their respective groups as underdogs seek to defy expectations.
