The 2026 World Cup draw has been completed, setting the stage for the tournament hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The opening match at the Azteca will see Mexico face South Africa, a repeat of the 2010 opener. Mexico, under Javier Aguirre, aim to reach the quarter-finals for the third time as hosts, while South Africa return to the finals for the first time since 2010 under Hugo Broos.
Group A also includes South Korea, who have qualified for an 11th consecutive World Cup under former player Hong Myung-bo. The final spot will go to a European playoff winner from the Czech Republic, Denmark, North Macedonia, or Republic of Ireland.
Canada, in Group B, play in only their third World Cup and have yet to secure a point. Jesse Marsch’s side, featuring Juventus’s Jonathan David and Bayern’s Alphonso Davies, will face a tough test, with Italy a potential opponent from the Uefa playoff.
Switzerland, quarter-finalists at the last two Euros, head Group C after an unbeaten qualifying campaign. Qatar, managed by Julen Lopetegui, secured their spot via a home fourth-round group, while Scotland return to the finals after a 28-year absence. Haiti, appearing for the first time since 1974, complete the group.
Brazil, now led by Carlo Ancelotti after a rocky qualifying period, are in Group D alongside Morocco, who qualified with a perfect record. The USA, under Mauricio Pochettino, have shown improvement and will face Paraguay, who have won one match in each of their five previous World Cup appearances. Australia, driven by late wins over Japan and Saudi Arabia, and a European playoff winner complete the group.
