FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage Draw Unveiled in Star-Studded Ceremony
Exciting Matchups Announced for FIFA World Cup 2026
The group stage for the FIFA World Cup 2026 was officially revealed during a spectacular Final Draw event held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on December 6.
The tournament will kick off with a highly anticipated match between co-hosts Mexico and Canada on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City. This World Cup will be jointly hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Fans can look forward to thrilling matchups, including Brazil facing Morocco, the Netherlands taking on Japan, and France competing against Senegal. Additionally, newcomers Cabo Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan will have their hands full against football powerhouses like Spain, Germany, defending champions Argentina, and Portugal, as detailed on FIFA's official platform.
The draw event featured several sports legends, including Rio Ferdinand, who hosted the ceremony, alongside icons like Shaquille O'Neal, Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, and Aaron Judge, who assisted in the proceedings.
Comedian Kevin Hart, actress Heidi Klum, and actor Danny Ramirez added star power to the draw show, which also featured performances by Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, Lauryn Hill, and the Village People, captivating fans around the globe.
Final Draw Results:
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Winner UEFA Play-off D
Group B: Canada, Winner UEFA Play-off A, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Winner UEFA Play-off C
Group E: Germany, Curacao, Cote d'Ivoire, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Winner UEFA Play-off B, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, Winner FIFA Play-off 2, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, Winner FIFA Play-off 1, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will progress to the round of 32.
Currently, six of the 48 participating teams are yet to be confirmed, with the final list expected by March next year. Four of these spots will be filled through the UEFA play-offs, which include teams like Albania, Italy, and Ukraine.
The remaining two spots will be contested in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-Off tournament, featuring teams such as Bolivia and Jamaica.
According to reports, FIFA has also disclosed important dates and venues, with the final match scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in New York-New Jersey.
Key Dates:
Group Stage: June 11-27
Round of 32: June 28 to July 3
Round of 16: July 4-7
Quarter-finals: July 9-11
Semi-finals: July 14-15
Third-place Play-off: July 18
Final: July 19.