The 2026 World Cup draw has set the stage for a tournament that promises intrigue from the opening match. Mexico will host South Africa at the Azteca Stadium, a repeat of the 2010 opener. Mexico, who have won only one knockout game in their history, will rely on manager Javier Aguirre, a forward in their 1986 squad, to guide them to a third quarter-final as hosts. South Africa, coached by Belgian Hugo Broos, qualified for their first World Cup since 2010 despite a controversial points deduction.
Group A also features South Korea, appearing in their 11th consecutive World Cup under former player Hong Myung-bo, who led them unbeaten through qualifying. The final spot goes to a European playoff winner from the Czech Republic, Denmark, North Macedonia, or Republic of Ireland. Canada, in Group B, boast their best-ever squad with Juventus striker Jonathan David and Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies, but their fortunes may hinge on whether Italy emerges from the Uefa playoff.
Switzerland, quarter-finalists at the last two Euros, qualified unbeaten and have veterans Ricardo Rodriguez and Granit Xhaka eyeing fourth World Cups. Qatar, managed by Julen Lopetegui, secured progress by hosting the fourth qualifying round and rely entirely on domestic league players. Scotland return to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, aiming to avoid an eighth group-stage exit, while Haiti face a travel ban limiting fan support.
Brazil, under Carlo Ancelotti after a rocky qualifying campaign, and Morocco, with a 100% record, are group favourites. The USA, revitalised under Mauricio Pochettino after thrashing Uruguay 5-1 in a friendly, face Paraguay, who have won exactly one game in each of their six World Cups. Australia, lacking stars but resilient, qualified by beating Japan and Saudi Arabia under pressure, while Germany, after successive group-stage exits, face a tough test under Julian Nagelsmann.
