The 2026 World Cup draw took place on December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Centre in Washington, D.C., setting the stage for the biggest tournament in football history. Forty-eight teams will compete across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
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, Curaçao, 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, FIFA Intercontinental Playoff Tournament 2 winner, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, FIFA Intercontinental Playoff Tournament 1 winner, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
Six spots remain to be decided through UEFA playoffs in March 2026, including potential entries from Italy, Sweden, Poland, Denmark, Turkey, and Ukraine.
At least nine African nations will compete at the 2026 World Cup, the most ever from the continent. It’s a historic moment for African football, but the draw delivered vastly different fortunes.
Morocco (Group C) got the best draw of the African contingent. The Atlas Lions are riding a 16-match winning streak, and sit 11th in the FIFA rankings. Alongside Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland, coach Walid Regragui’s side will fancy their chances of advancing, possibly even as group winners.
Morocco’s squad features world-class talent: Achraf Hakimi (2025 CAF POTY), Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid), Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal), and rising stars like Eliesse Ben Seghir (Bayer Leverkusen) and Bilal El Khannouss. After reaching the 2022 semifinals, Morocco have proven they belong among the elite. They open against Brazil on June 13 in New York, face Scotland on June 19 in Boston, and close the group stage against Haiti on June 24 in Atlanta.
Senegal (Group I) face a tougher test against France, but with Norway and an intercontinental playoff winner also in the group, second place is absolutely attainable.
The Lions of Teranga feature exciting young talent: Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr, Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson (all under-25), plus Premier League representatives Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace) and El Hadji Malick Diouf (West Ham). The Old heads, like Sadio Mane and Gana Gueye, are still present, and that blend could prove vital for the Teranga Lions.
Ghana (Group L) landed in what many are calling the “Group of Death” alongside England and Croatia. But the Black Stars have upset potential. Coach Otto Addo has Premier League firepower at his disposal: Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth), Mohammed Kudus (West Ham) and Jordan Ayew for experience.
Ghana lost just once during qualification and are making their second consecutive World Cup appearance, having qualified for all but two tournaments this century. If they can catch England on an off day or capitalise on Croatia’s ageing squad, they could shock the world. Panama represents their most realistic route to points.
Egypt (Group G) drew Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand. Belgium are beatable, they’re ageing and in transition. If Egypt can match Belgium’s intensity and handle Iran, the Pharaohs could advance for the first time since 1990. Coach Hossam Hassan has experience and organisation on his side.
Algeria (Group J) face defending champions Argentina, plus Austria and Jordan. It’s a difficult draw, but not impossible. Coach Vladimir Petkovic’s disciplined defensive style could frustrate Argentina, and Austria aren’t invincible. Led by Riyad Mahrez, the Desert Foxes will need to be perfect to advance, but they’ve pulled off upsets before.
Ivory Coast (Group E) must overcome Germany, Ecuador, and Curaçao. Germany are the clear favourite, but Ecuador will be the battle for second place. The Elephants have attacking talent and Premier League representation, but this is a tough ask. They’ll need everything to go right.
Tunisia (Group F), South Africa (Group A), and Cape Verde (Group H) drew the toughest hands. Tunisia must beat the Netherlands, Japan, and a European playoff winner. South Africa face Mexico, South Korea, and another European playoff side. Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut, landed Spain and Uruguay—arguably the hardest draw for any African team.
For Nigeria, watching nine African nations compete while the Super Eagles sit home is painful. Missing back-to-back World Cups (2022, 2026) represents one of the lowest points in Nigerian football history. Morocco, Senegal, and Ghana represent Africa’s best chances of a deep run. But the continent’s expanded representation means African football is growing—even if Nigeria isn’t part of the story this time.
The United States couldn’t have asked for better. Paraguay, Australia, and a European playoff winner is one of the most favorable groups for any host nation in recent memory. Mauricio Pochettino’s side will be expected to top Group D and make a deep run with home-field advantage.
The U.S. opens on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles against Paraguay.
For the first time, FIFA implemented a tennis-style seeded bracket. Spain, Argentina, France, and England were placed in separate sections of the knockout draw, meaning they can only meet in the semifinals or final if they win their groups.
The 48-team format includes 12 groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to a newly created Round of 32.
The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026, with Mexico facing South Africa at Estadio Azteca. The final will be held on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Six playoff spots will be decided in March 2026, with major nations like Italy, Sweden, and Poland still fighting for their place at the tournament.
