2026 World Cup Draw: What It Means
The draw on December 5, 2024 determined the group stage matchups for the first 48-team World Cup. Here's what the results mean for qualification and competition.
Complete Group Assignments
Group A: Mexico (Host), South Korea, South Africa, European Playoff D winner
• Mexico opens the tournament as host
• South Korea brings Asian representation
• South Africa returns to World Cup stage
Group B: Canada (Host), Switzerland, Qatar, European Playoff A winner
• Canada's first World Cup as host
• Qatar (2022 host) in a new role
• Switzerland provides European quality
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
• Brazil seeks 6th World Cup title
• Morocco (2022 semifinalist) strong threat
• Haiti makes historic return
Group D: USA (Host), Paraguay, Australia, European Playoff C winner
• USA as main host nation
• Paraguay represents South American football
• Australia brings Oceania/Asian qualifying experience
Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curaçao
• Germany (4-time champion) leads
• Ecuador continues South American presence
• Ivory Coast brings African strength
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, European Playoff B winner
• Netherlands aims for first World Cup win
• Japan continues Asian football growth
• Tunisia represents African hopes
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
• Belgium's "golden generation" continues
• Egypt returns to World Cup stage
• New Zealand represents Oceania
Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
• Spain (2010 champion) leads
• Uruguay brings World Cup pedigree
• Cape Verde makes historic debut
Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, Intercontinental Playoff 2 winner
• France (defending runner-up) favored
• Senegal (2022 African champion) strong
• Norway returns after long absence
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
• Argentina (defending champion) seeks repeat
• Algeria returns to World Cup
• Jordan makes debut
Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Intercontinental Playoff 1 winner
• Portugal continues Euro strength
• Colombia brings South American flair
• Uzbekistan debuts
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
• England aims to end trophy drought
• Croatia (2018 finalist) proven competitor
• Ghana represents African football
Qualification Rules Reminder
Advancing from Groups:
• Top 2 teams from each group qualify (24 teams)
• 8 best third-place teams also advance
• Total 32 teams enter knockout stage
Why This Matters:
• More forgiving than previous formats
• Third place can still advance
• Goal difference critical for third-place comparison
Key Storylines
Defending Champion: Argentina in Group J faces manageable opponents, well-positioned to advance
Host Nations: USA, Canada, Mexico all have favorable draws in their respective groups
Potential Surprises: Morocco in Group C could challenge Brazil based on 2022 form