The World Cup 2026 is now just days away, with FIFA's expanded 48-team tournament ready for kick-off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Final squads are being named as teams prepare for their first group stage matches in what promises to be a historic competition.
Group Stage Draw
The groups for the 2026 World Cup have been announced, setting the stage for exciting encounters. England will face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in Group L, while Scotland have been drawn against Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil in Group C. Other notable groups include Group J featuring Argentina, Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, and Group K with Portugal, Congo DR, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.
Full Group List
- Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czech Republic
- Group B: Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
- Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey
- Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
- Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
- Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
- Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
- Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
- Group K: Portugal, Congo DR, Uzbekistan, Colombia
- Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
Tournament Format and Venues
The tournament will feature 104 matches, an increase of 40 from the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Matches will be held across 16 venues in three host nations. Mexico and Canada will each host 13 games, while the United States will host 78 matches, including all knockout stage games from the quarter-finals onward. The final will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The opening match will be held at Mexico City's iconic Azteca Stadium, a venue steeped in World Cup history. It was the site of Diego Maradona's famous 'Hand of God' goal and his brilliant solo effort against England in 1986, as well as two World Cup finals: Brazil's 4-1 victory over Italy in 1970 and Argentina's 3-2 win over West Germany in 1986.
Key Dates
The tournament begins on June 11, 2026, in Mexico, and concludes with the final on July 19, 2026, in New Jersey. This 39-day competition will see players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo likely making their final appearances on the World Cup stage, adding to the excitement.
Excitement is building as history will be made, with players carving out their own legacies to join the greatest footballers in FIFA World Cup history. The expanded format promises more drama and unforgettable moments across the three host nations.
