FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw Results: Full Groups, Schedule, Group of Death & more

The FIFA World Cup group stage is all set.

The eagerly awaited 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage draw is over, following a qualification campaign that started back in September 2023.

Next year’s men’s football tournament will feature 48 national teams for the first time, with the final taking place in New Jersey on July 19, 2026.

Mexico has been selected to play South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 11, 2026. With Paraguay drawn in Group D, co-hosts the USA are also aware of their initial opponents. What about Belgium’s first encounter in Group G, where they play African powerhouse Egypt?

Brazil and Morocco are both drawn in Group C, so we already have some interesting matchups. They are going to battle each other in their first game.

France vs. Senegal, the first game in Group I, is another contest you should watch, and England’s first game in Group L, against Croatia, is as difficult.

Forty-two countries have met the requirements. The UEFA and inter-confederation playoffs in March will choose the remaining six players.

On Saturday, December 6, at 12:00 ET, the full World Cup schedule—including locations and kickoff times—will be announced.

2026 FIFA World Cup Groups

• Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Winner of Play-off D
• Group B: Canada, Winner of Play-off B, Qatar, Switzerland
• Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
• Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Winner Play-off C
• Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ecuador, Côte d’Ivoire
• Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Winner of Play-off B, Tunisia
• Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
• Group H: Spain, Cabo Verde, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia
• Group I: France, Senegal, Winner of play-off 2, Norway
• Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
• Group K: Portugal, Winner of play-off 1, Uzbekistan, Colombia
• Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

Schedule

The tournament begins on June 11, 2026. The opening match will be played between Mexico vs South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico.

The group stage will span several weeks, with 104 matches expected in total across the expanded format. The tournament will conclude in mid-July (finals around July 19, 2026).

Group of Death

One group widely tipped as a “Group of Death” is Group I, which includes France national football team, Senegal national football team, Norway national football team, and a still-to-be-determined playoff winner.

Another group attracting attention is Group C with Brazil national football team, Morocco national football team, Haiti national football team and Scotland national football team.

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