List of the 12 groups for the 2026 World Cup.
Here is a detailed list of the 12 groups for the 2026 World Cup. Group L is considered the "Group of Death" of the 2026 World Cup, featuring England, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.
List of the 12 groups for the 2026 World Cup.
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, UEFA Play-off Group D (Czech Republic / Ireland / Denmark / North Macedonia).
Group B: Canada, Qatar, Switzerland, UEFA Play-off Group A (Wales / Bosnia & Herzegovina / Italy / Northern Ireland).
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland.
Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, UEFA Play-off Group C (Türkiye / Romania / Slovakia / Kosovo).
Group E: Germany, Curacao, Côte d'Ivoire, Ecuador.
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, UEFA Play-off Group B (Ukraine / Sweden / Poland / Albania).
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand.
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay.
Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, FIFA 2 Play-off (Iraq / Bolivia / Suriname).
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan.
Group K: Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia, FIFA 1 Play-off (New Caledonia / Jamaica / Congo).
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama./.
Analysis of the 12 groups in the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup marks a major shift as the number of participating teams increases from 32 to 48. The teams are divided into 12 groups, and a separate bracket system is implemented for the top four teams in the world.
Prior to the draw, 42 teams had already qualified, while the remaining 6 spots will go to the winners of the intercontinental play-offs taking place in March 2026.
48 teams are divided into 4 seeded groups based on the FIFA rankings as of November 2025. The three co-hosts, the USA, Canada, and Mexico, are in Group 1 along with the top 9 teams in the world. Teams that qualify through the play-offs will automatically be in Seed Group 4.
In addition, FIFA applies a continental allocation rule: each group can have a maximum of two European representatives, and other federations cannot have two teams in the same group.
In their first appearance at the biggest football event on the planet, Uzbekistan is in Group K, considered a major challenge. They will face Portugal, Colombia, and the play-off contenders Congo, Jamaica, and New Caledonia. This is considered one of the toughest groups for a World Cup newcomer.
The highlight of the draw was Group L, which includes two strong contenders: England and Croatia. Panama and Ghana are not considered top teams, but they are capable of creating tense matches, meaning the group's dynamics could constantly change until the final round of games.
Top teams like Mexico, Brazil, Germany, France, and Argentina face opponents considered to be of similar caliber, giving them a good chance of a favorable start. However, the remaining six World Cup 2026 qualification spots from the play-offs could still significantly alter the dynamics of many groups.
In 2026, FIFA will implement a new bracket system to ensure that the top four teams according to FIFA rankings—Spain, Argentina, France, and England—do not meet before the semi-finals. If they all finish first in their groups, a Spain-Argentina clash can only occur in the final.
The tournament will begin in June with 104 games, held in 16 cities across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The final match is scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The 2026 World Cup coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States' Independence Day, making the event even more significant. Notably, one match will take place in Philadelphia – the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.