The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to make history. It will be the biggest edition of the tournament yet, with matches played across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
This grand event will run from June 11 to July 19. A record 48 nations will battle for football’s most coveted prize. While many teams will compete, only a select few are truly expected to challenge for the trophy.
Six teams still need to secure their spots through upcoming play-offs. However, the remaining 42 teams now know their group stage opponents. The draw promises an exciting start to the month-long spectacle.
The United States will host the majority of matches. They also played host to the official draw event. This event received significant promotion, with key figures actively involved in the tournament’s build-up.
The Group Stage Draw Revealed
The draw has produced a mix of familiar football powerhouses and intriguing underdogs. Here are the confirmed groups:
Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Republic of Ireland/Denmark/North Macedonia/Czech Republic
Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, Wales/Northern Ireland/Italy/Bosnia-Herzegovina
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
Group D: USA, Australia, Paraguay, Turkey/Romania/Slovakia/Kosovo
Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curacao
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Poland/Ukraine/Sweden/Albania
Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq or Bolivia/Suriname
Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, DR Congo or Jamaica/New Caledonia
Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana
Host Cities Across North America
The 2026 World Cup will spread its excitement across numerous cities. This ensures fans throughout North America can experience the World Cup atmosphere directly.
Group A matches are scheduled for Guadalajara, Monterrey, Mexico City, and Atlanta. Group B games will take place in Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle.
Group C fixtures are set for Atlanta, Boston, Miami, New York/New Jersey, and Philadelphia. Group D games will be hosted in Vancouver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle.
Other host cities include Houston, Kansas City, and Dallas. Additional matches will be held in various U.S. cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, and Miami. Mexico’s Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Mexico City will also host games.
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