The World Cup 2026 groups I through L are brimming with football's brightest stars, including Harry Kane, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland. Mbappe will be the first superstar to take the field in North America, as France requires his brilliance to navigate a challenging group that includes Senegal and Norway. Argentina's title defense, led by Messi, promises passionate support from their traveling fans. Portugal, with Ronaldo at the helm, boasts a wealth of talent aiming for World Cup glory. England and Kane will watch the opening week from the sidelines, placed in a seemingly straightforward Group L as they seek to end 60 years of World Cup heartache.
Group I
France
Story so far: Champions in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, France appears even stronger on paper now. Kylian Mbappe is thriving at Real Madrid, and a host of talented players have emerged since the penalty shootout loss in Qatar. Coach Didier Deschamps had the difficult task of selecting a squad from around 50 potential candidates.
What to expect: Les Bleus are favorites but face a tough group. A slip-up against Senegal, who have upset France before, could set up a decisive final group match against Norway.
One to watch: Michael Olise has blossomed into a world-class talent at Bayern Munich, delivering goals and assists at a remarkable rate.
Fun fact: Moroccan-born striker Just Fontaine holds the record for most goals at a single World Cup, scoring 13 in six matches in 1958, though France exited in the semi-finals.
Senegal
Story so far: Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, though the trophy was later revoked due to controversy. Despite being one of Africa's top sides, they have only qualified three times since their quarter-final run in 2002.
What to expect: That 2002 campaign included a famous win over France, and another upset is possible. Senegal is at the end of an era, with legends like Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, and Idrissa Gueye nearing retirement. Momentum could fuel a deep run.
One to watch: Everton's Iliman Ndiaye is among the most talented next-generation stars, capable of dazzling any defense, though he lacks consistency.
Fun fact: Football is hugely popular in Senegal, but the traditional sport of laamb, similar to sumo wrestling dating back to the 14th century, holds greater cultural significance.
Iraq
Story so far: Iraq deserved their qualification, playing 21 matches to reach the World Cup for the first time in 40 years since 1986. They will savor every moment.
What to expect: Coach Graham Arnold, who led Australia in 2018 and 2022, instills a structured, hard-working mentality. Iraq faces a difficult group but will rely on discipline.
One to watch: Former Manchester United academy product Zidane Iqbal, now at Utrecht in the Netherlands, is one of few European-based players and will be crucial on the ball.
Fun fact: Striker Ali Al Hamadi became the first Iraqi to play in the English top flight, appearing for Ipswich Town in 2025. His family fled Iraq when he was one after his father protested Saddam Hussein's dictatorship.
Norway
Story so far: Norway has underperformed for decades, qualifying for only their fourth World Cup since 1938 and first major tournament since EURO 2000. They qualified impressively, beating Italy 3-0 at home and 4-1 away without dropping a point.
What to expect: Goals galore. Erling Haaland scored 16 in eight qualifiers and could start strongly against Iraq. Norway's lack of pedigree makes them a dark horse, but their talent is undeniable.
One to watch: 20-year-old winger Antonio Nusa links well with Haaland, offering pace and trickery to break down defenses or counter-attack.
Fun fact: Norway is the only team never to have lost to Brazil, with two wins and two draws.
Group J
Argentina
Story so far: Argentina is enjoying a golden era, defending their World Cup title and having won the last two Copa Americas. They dominated South American qualifying and boast immense depth.
What to expect: An emotional farewell for Lionel Messi, who will be 39 by the final. He has been on the brink of retirement for years but led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup. Another title would further cement his legacy.
One to watch: Como's Nico Paz is a silky left-footed winger who can carve open defenses with passes or dribbles.
Fun fact: Lionel Scaloni had no managerial experience before taking charge of Argentina in 2018, drawing criticism from Diego Maradona. His record includes two Copa Americas and the 2022 World Cup.
Algeria
Story so far: Algeria breezed through qualifying for their first World Cup since 2014, though their AFCON performances were unconvincing despite reaching the quarter-finals. Captain Riyad Mahrez, now 35, aims to recapture past form.
What to expect: Coach Vladimir Petkovic has World Cup experience, leading Switzerland to knockout stages in 2016, 2020, and 2018. Algeria has a squad full of top-league European players and should reach the knockouts.
One to watch: Striker Mohamed Amoura scored 10 goals in 10 qualifiers, leading the line effectively despite his 5'5" frame.
Fun fact: Many Algerian fans believe their 1982 group stage exit was a 'fix' after West Germany and Austria played a game that eliminated Algeria. FIFA later changed rules so final group games are played simultaneously.
Austria
Story so far: A late equalizer against Bosnia and Herzegovina secured Austria's first World Cup spot since 1998. Former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick has transformed the team since 2022, earning praise at EURO 2024.
What to expect: Intensity and pressing. The long season and hot weather may challenge this approach, but if it clicks, Austria's energy could trouble slower sides.
One to watch: 20-year-old Paul Wanner chose Austria over Germany and was Bayern Munich's youngest ever player at 16.
Fun fact: Austria switched to red kits in 2004 under coach Hans Krankel to match the country's flag.
Jordan
Story so far: Jordan benefits from the expanded format, qualifying for their first World Cup after being runners-up in the 2023 Asian Cup and 2025 Arab Cup. A 1-1 draw away to South Korea helped secure their spot.
What to expect: Last-ditch defending. Jordan may struggle against stronger teams but concedes few goals, offering hope for a famous draw.
One to watch: Winger Musa Al-Taamari, dubbed 'Jordan's Messi,' became the first Jordanian in Europe's top five leagues with Montpellier in 2023. Now at Rennes, his speed and dribbling are Jordan's best attacking threat.
Fun fact: Coach Jamal Sellami was granted Jordanian citizenship by royal decree from King Abdullah II for his role in qualification.
Group K
Portugal
Story so far: Portugal has underachieved since winning Euro 2016, with early knockout exits to Belgium, France, Uruguay, and Morocco. They lost composure in a 2-0 qualifying defeat to Ireland.
What to expect: Tears. This is likely Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup, and he has yet to dominate like Messi. He holds records but needs teammates to rally around him, as Argentina did for Messi in 2022.
One to watch: Bruno Fernandes is in exceptional form and, if given freedom by manager Roberto Martinez, could be key to a deep run.
Fun fact: Roberto Martinez is the first non-Portuguese-speaking manager of Portugal, following Brazilians Otto Gloria and Luiz Felipe Scolari.
DR Congo
Story so far: DR Congo returns to the World Cup after 52 years, having qualified as Zaire in 1974. The squad now features Premier League experience with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, and Yoan Wissa.
What to expect: A team with fight and mentality, bolstered by ancestry-eligible players. They lack attacking quality but are smart and determined.
One to watch: Noah Sadiki has impressed in Sunderland's midfield, bringing energy and technical quality to the national team.
Fun fact: During AFCON, fan Michel Kuka Mboladinga went viral for standing still with his hand raised for 90 minutes to honor the late Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba.
Uzbekistan
Story so far: First-time qualifiers Uzbekistan finally reached the World Cup after playoff heartbreaks in 2006 and 2014. Their rise is linked to domestic club Pakhtakor's success in Asian competitions.
What to expect: Coach Fabio Cannavaro employs a three-at-the-back system in classic Italian style, relying on captain Eldor Shomurodov for goals on the break.
One to watch: Man City defender Abdukodir Khusanov, 22, is Uzbekistan's best player. He became a key part of Pep Guardiola's defense and can learn from Cannavaro.
Fun fact: Uzbekistan participated in the first 'Unity World Cup' in 2014, an amateur tournament for Christian nations in India.
Colombia
Story so far: After missing the 2022 World Cup, Colombia returns with attacking flair, scoring the second-most goals in South American qualifying. Coach Nestor Lorenzo has lost only seven of 44 games.
What to expect: The unexpected. Attackers Luis Diaz, James Rodriguez (34), and Luis Suarez are capable of brilliance but also inconsistency.
One to watch: Midfielder Richard Rios was key to Benfica's unbeaten league season under Jose Mourinho and their Champions League run. The 25-year-old is linked with top European clubs.
Fun fact: Colombian midfielder Marcos Coll scored the only direct corner goal in World Cup history, against Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin in 1962.
Group L
England
Story so far: England qualified easily, becoming only the second European team to win all qualifiers without conceding. However, injuries and poor performances in friendlies raise questions under Thomas Tuchel.
What to expect: Nerves. The expanded format makes knockout stage qualification almost certain, but an opening loss to Croatia would pile pressure. England has talent to end their title drought, but Tuchel needs nerve.
One to watch: Nico O'Reilly's performances at Manchester City have solved England's left-back problems. He is described as a 'Rolls Royce' of a player.
Fun fact: The Jules Rimet trophy was stolen before the 1966 World Cup. A dog named Pickles found it in a package in south London bushes, and Bobby Moore later lifted it.
Croatia
Story so far: Croatia are World Cup overachievers, finishing third in 1998 and 2022, and runners-up in 2018. They qualified unbeaten and are confident of another deep run.
What to expect: Challenges may arise as they rely on older players like Luka Modric (40), Ivan Perisic, and Andrej Kramaric (both 34). Younger players are yet to make a major impact, but Croatia has a habit of proving doubters wrong.
One to watch: 23-year-old Martin Baturina carries the hopes of the next generation. He has learned from Cesc Fabregas in Serie A and brings energy to the midfield.
Fun fact: Modric could become only the third men's player to reach 200 international caps, needing three appearances this summer. Lionel Messi needs just two.
Ghana
Story so far: The Black Stars have been embroiled in scandals, failing to advance past AFCON group stages in 2021 and 2023 and missing the 2025 tournament. Manager Carlos Queiroz was appointed in April after Otto Addo's sacking.
What to expect: Queiroz is known for defensive tactics from his roles with Iran, Qatar, and Oman. A win against Panama in the opener would set up a crucial match against England.
One to watch: Antoine Semenyo has taken the Premier League by storm and improved since joining Manchester City in January. He could deliver key goals.
Fun fact: Brothers Andre and Jordan Ayew hold the most appearances for Ghana, with 120 and 118 caps respectively, and will add to their tallies this summer.
Panama
Story so far: Panama is statistically one of their best sides, ranked 33rd in FIFA. They reached the 2024 Gold Cup final and the 2024 Copa America quarter-finals, knocking out hosts USA. Coach Thomas Christiansen has instilled confidence since 2020.
What to expect: Christiansen relies on a compact defensive structure, making the team greater than the sum of its parts. With multiple centurions in defense and midfield, Panama is wily and should not be underestimated.
One to watch: Winger Ismael Diaz brings attacking quality and speed on the left. He scored eight goals in 11 games for Panama in 2025 after stints in the Netherlands and Portugal.
Fun fact: Baseball is more popular than football in Panama, unlike most qualified nations.
