The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw took place on Friday at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, unveiling the group stage matchups for the upcoming tournament. Hosts United States, Canada, and Mexico will stage the first-ever 48-team World Cup from June 11 to July 19, featuring 104 matches, up from 64 in Qatar 2022.
Top teams Argentina, Spain, and England received favorable draws in the 2026 FIFA group stage, while holders France face a more challenging path. Lionel Messi’s Argentina will start against Algeria, Austria, and debutants Jordan in Group J. Spain, the European champions, will meet Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay in Group H, while England will face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in Group L.
Two-time winners France were drawn into Group I alongside Senegal, Norway, and an intercontinental play-off winner from Iraq, Bolivia, or Suriname. Brazil will play Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland in Group C, while co-host Mexico opens the tournament against South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
The draw ceremony, attended by US President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, was a star-studded affair. Performances by Robbie Williams, Andrea Bocelli, and the Village People entertained the audience, while NFL legend Tom Brady, ice hockey icon Wayne Gretzky, and former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal assisted with the draw proceedings.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the scale of the tournament, calling it “like 104 Super Bowls in one month” and “the greatest event humanity has ever seen.” The expanded format will allow six additional teams to qualify via playoffs in March, with match venues and kick-off times to be finalized later.
Co-host United States will face Paraguay, Australia, and a European play-off winner in Group D, while Germany meets Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador in Group E. Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, will compete against Uzbekistan, Colombia, and a play-off winner in Group K.
With 48 teams competing across three countries, the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises thrilling football action, global attention, and unforgettable moments for fans worldwide.
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