What are the 2026 World Cup groups?
Quick Answer
The draw was held on December 5, 2025, in Washington D.C. The 48 teams are split into 12 groups of 4. Highlights include: Group C (Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti), Group H (Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde), Group J (Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan), and Group L (England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana).
Detailed Explanation
The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage draw took place at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on December 5, 2025. The 48 teams were divided into 12 groups of 4 using FIFA World Rankings-based seeding pots. Host nations USA, Mexico, and Canada were placed in Groups D, A, and B respectively to ensure geographic spread. Four groups still have one undecided team pending European and intercontinental playoffs in March 2026. The top 2 from each group plus the 8 best third-place teams advance to the Round of 32.
📌Key Points
- 1Draw held December 5, 2025, at Kennedy Center, Washington D.C.
- 212 groups of 4 teams each (48 teams total)
- 3Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, TBD
- 4Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
- 5Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
- 6Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan
- 7Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana
- 8Top 2 + 8 best third-place teams advance to Round of 32
📜Related Rules
Learn how the FIFA World Cup is structured with group stages, knockout rounds, and the path to the final.
How the best third-place teams advance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ranking criteria, tiebreakers, and historical precedent explained.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup introduces a Round of 32 for the first time. Learn how 48 teams are narrowed to 32 and the full knockout bracket.