The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw has been completed, giving fans a first look at the 48-team tournament set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Sixteen stadiums will host matches, including five home to Major League Soccer clubs. The tournament kicks off on June 11 in Mexico City, where co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa in Group A.
Draw details
The draw was conducted at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, with the assistance of FIFA legends and sports stars including Shaquille O’Neal, Aaron Judge, and Wayne Gretzky.
Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, drew Canada into Group B as the first pick. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum drew Mexico into Group A.
United States President Donald Trump drew the USMNT into Group D. Other teams were drawn by FIFA officials and celebrity representatives to complete the groups.
Key fixtures to watch
England face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in Group L. Their first match is on June 17 against Croatia, followed by Ghana on June 23 and Panama on June 27. This includes a rerun of the 2018 semi-final against Croatia.
United States begin their campaign against Australia in Group D.
Brazil are drawn with Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland in Group C. France face Senegal, Norway, and a playoff winner in Group I.
Argentina meet Austria, Algeria, and Jordan in Group J.
Full group list
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, European Playoff D (Denmark/North Macedonia/Czechia/Ireland)
Group B: Canada, Qatar, Switzerland, European Playoff A (Italy/Northern Ireland/Wales/Bosnia & Herzegovina)
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
READ MORE:osimhen-scores-stunner-as-galatasaray-edge-samsunspor-in-five-goal-thriller
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, European Playoff C (Türkiye/Romania/Slovakia/Kosovo)
Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, European Playoff B (Ukraine/Sweden/Poland/Albania)
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia
Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, Intercontinental Playoff 2 (Bolivia/Suriname/Iraq)
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, Intercontinental Playoff 1 (DR Congo/Jamaica/New Caledonia), Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Tournament schedule
Group stage: June 11–27
Round of 32: June 28–July 3
Round of 16: July 4–7
Quarterfinals: July 9–11
Semifinals: July 14–15
Third place play-off: July 18
Final: July 19
Playoffs to complete the field
Before the tournament begins, several playoffs will determine the final qualifiers:
UEFA playoffs: 16 teams will compete for the last four European spots. The semi-finals will be played on 26 March 2026, with the finals on 31 March 2026. Each match is a single-leg knockout.
FIFA inter‑confederation playoffs: Six teams from different confederations will compete for two final World Cup spots. The semi-finals will also take place on 26 March 2026 and the finals on 31 March 2026, with matches hosted in Mexico. The winners of each bracket secure the final two places in the tournament.
