The long-awaited draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has finally been made, setting the stage for a historic tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The complex ceremony, held at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC and lasting over two hours, delivered several intriguing storylines and challenging groups for the home nations.
England's Path: Echoes of Russia 2018
Gareth Southgate's England side will begin their campaign with a heavyweight clash against Croatia, a rematch of their dramatic 2018 World Cup semi-final. Croatia beat England 2-1 in extra time in Russia to end the Three Lions' memorable run. The draw for Group L also pits England against Panama, another opponent from their 2018 group stage, whom they defeated 6-1. Completing the group is Ghana, a nation England has never faced at a World Cup finals.
The venues for England's group matches will be spread across four cities in the United States and one in Canada: Dallas, Boston, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Toronto. Specific kick-off times are set to be announced from 5pm GMT on Saturday.
Scotland's Daunting Challenge and the 'Group of Death'
Scotland, returning to the World Cup stage, face a formidable task in Group C. They have been drawn alongside five-time champions Brazil, African contenders Morocco, and Haiti. This marks a partial repeat of their 1998 World Cup campaign, where they also faced Brazil and Morocco.
Meanwhile, the early favourite for the tournament's toughest group is Group I. Seeded France find themselves joined by Senegal, Erling Haaland's Norway, and the winner of a yet-to-be-decided international playoff. The United States, as co-hosts, will face Australia, Paraguay, and a European playoff winner in their group.
Draw Complexity and Controversial Prize
The draw process was notably intricate, reflecting the unprecedented scale of the first 48-team World Cup. A further layer was added by a recent FIFA ruling designed to keep the four highest-ranked sides—Spain, Argentina, France, and England—apart until the semi-finals.
The sporting spectacle was punctuated by political controversy as FIFA awarded its inaugural 'peace prize' to former US President Donald Trump. Trump accepted the honour, stating it was one of the "great honours of my life," during a glitzy ceremony that also featured appearances by the leaders of the three host nations and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
With the groups now set, anticipation builds for the expanded tournament, promising a summer of football across North America in 2026.
