 "FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw: Check out all teams, groups, blockbuster fixtures & more")
The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup took place on Friday, December 5 at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington DC. The draw ceremony was packed with star power and special moments. Legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli opened the ceremony with a live performance before FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed fans, thanking co-host US President Donald Trump, who was in attendance.
Trump also became the first recipient of the FIFA Peace Prize. He was handed a memento, a medal, and a certificate by Infantino, who praised his peace efforts over the past years. The ceremony was also attended by Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, who brought the World Cup to the stage before the draw began. Argentina are the defending champions as they won the title in Qatar 2022.
The United States, Mexico, and Canada – the co-hosts of the tournament – were confirmed in Groups D, A, and B, respectively, by their presidents. Former England and Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand then grouped the rest of the teams with the support of American sports icons including Tom Brady and Shaquille O’Neal. Mexico and South Africa, part of Group A, will play the opening game of the tournament at the Mexico City Stadium.
The stage is set. Who triumphs? 🏆@aramco | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/21qBVC6KlE
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 5, 2025
Full lineup of teams in each group:
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Winner Play-off D
Group B: Canada, Winner Play-off A, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Winner Play-off C
Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Winner Play-off B, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, Winner Play-off 2, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, Winner Play-off 1, Colombia, Uzbekistan
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
FIFA World Cup 2026: Blockbuster matchups
The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage promises some thrilling matchups. Group C will see a mouth-watering clash between Brazil and Morocco. England vs Croatia in Group L is another eagerly anticipated showdown. Group J will also offer drama, as defending champions Argentina take on Algeria and Austria, with Lionel Messi aiming to leave his mark one last time.
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