The stage is set for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the official draw was conducted for the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The event, held on the 5th of December 2025, has produced several tantalising fixtures, including a familiar heavyweight clash for Scotland and a potential duel between two of football's modern icons.
Scotland's Daunting Yet Familiar Challenge
Scotland manager Steve Clarke found his team drawn against Brazil for an incredible fifth time in the last seven World Cups they have qualified for. The two nations last met at the finals in 1998, a match the South Americans won. Completing Group B are Morocco and Haiti.
Despite the formidable opposition, Clarke struck an optimistic tone. "It's a good draw. It's a great group," the Scotland boss insisted. "I didn't want any European teams, I wanted teams from different continents and we got that. Brazil is always a good game and it's nice to get them." He acknowledged the toughness of Morocco, who also defeated Scotland in their last finals appearance, but expressed hope his side could improve on past results.
Club Rivalries Set for International Stage
The draw also paved the way for intriguing managerial and player confrontations. Canada's head coach, Jesse Marsch, is poised to renew his sideline rivalry with Wales boss Craig Bellamy, but only if Wales navigate their qualifying playoff group, which includes Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Northern Ireland.
Marsch and Bellamy were involved in a heated exchange during a friendly between the nations earlier in the year. "Look, Bellamy said he wanted to play us and Wales is in there," Marsch noted, before admitting "people will be expecting Italy to come out of it."
Mbappe and Haaland on Collision Course
One of the most exciting prospects from the draw is a potential showdown in Group D between France's Kylian Mbappe and Norway's Erling Haaland. The two global superstars, often compared as the leading strikers of their generation, could face off directly when France, Norway, Senegal, and a final playoff winner meet.
This marquee match-up adds significant star power to the group stages, promising a thrilling early tournament spectacle for fans worldwide. The full tournament schedule will now be finalised as nations prepare for the expanded competition in North America next summer.
