𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: The full World Cup group stage draw is officially out

A total of 48 teams share one unified goal: to lift the most prestigious trophy in world football on July 19, 2026, at New York’s MetLife Stadium.

The journey towards the final match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 was officially set during an event held at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. The draw has resulted in some thrilling group matchups that promise to set the stage for an unforgettable tournament.

Group A features host nation Mexico, who will kick off the tournament on June 11 at the iconic Estadio Azteca. Their first opponent will be South Africa, a matchup that is expected to capture global attention and mark the moment the tournament truly begins. Joining these two teams in Group A are South Korea and the winner of Path D in the European playoffs, which is still to be determined from among Denmark, Northern Ireland, North Macedonia, or Ireland. The anticipation surrounding this group is immense, as it showcases a blend of experienced teams and emerging challengers.

In Group H, the reigning European champions, Spain, will be looking to make a powerful statement in their first match on June 15. They will face off against the debuting nation of Cape Verde at a venue that will be confirmed soon. Spain’s squad, rich with talent and experience, aims to replicate their past success and assert their dominance on the world stage. The group will also see competition from Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, which adds layers of intrigue as these teams seek to advance beyond the group stages.

Argentina, the defending champions, will commence their title defense in Group I on June 16 with a match against Algeria. This encounter is likely to be a highlight of the group stage, showcasing Argentina’s star-studded roster, which includes the legendary Lionel Messi. Completing this group are Austria and Jordan, both of whom will aim to capitalize on any opportunities to upset the established powerhouses.

A particularly daunting challenge lies within Group C, often referred to as one of the ‘Groups of Death’. Here, traditional powerhouse Brazil will square off against Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti. The clash between these teams promises fierce competition and drama, as all strive for crucial points and a chance to advance in the highly competitive landscape of the tournament.

Adding more excitement to the mix is another thrilling prospect in Group I, where France, led by the exceptional Kylian Mbappé, will compete against Norway, who boasts the incredible talent of Erling Haaland. This group also includes Senegal and the winner of the intercontinental playoff involving Iraq, Bolivia, or Suriname. Each match in this group is expected to be gripping, as passion and national pride drive the players to give their all in pursuit of glory.

The Colombian National Team faces an uphill battle in Group K, where they will encounter the formidable squad from Portugal, featuring the iconic Cristiano Ronaldo. Alongside them, debutants Uzbekistan and the winner of the intercontinental playoff among DR Congo, Jamaica, or New Caledonia round out the group. This setting promises tension and thrilling encounters, as Colombia aims to navigate their way through to the knockout stages despite the challenges ahead.

Finally, England prepares to embark on their World Cup 2026 journey against the competitive team from Croatia. Under the guidance of coach Thomas Tuchel, England is set to kick off their campaign in either Dallas or Toronto on June 17, facing a group that also includes Ghana and Panama. Each match will present a vital opportunity for England to assert their footballing prowess and aim for redemption, as they seek to rewrite their narrative on the world stage with the ultimate goal of winning the coveted World Cup trophy.