The draw for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup has set the stage for a spectacular tournament across North America, promising a group phase lit up by the sport's greatest talents. From Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the opening round is set for drama. Here is a full group-by-group analysis of the teams, their routes to qualification, and the key battles to watch.
Group A to D: Opening Games and Historic Rivalries
Group A will see history repeat itself as Mexico and South Africa once again contest a World Cup opener, mirroring their 1-1 draw in 2010. Hosts Mexico, managed by 1986 veteran Javier Aguirre, aim to match their quarter-final run from that year. South Africa, led by Hugo Broos, return after topping a qualifying group ahead of Nigeria. South Korea, in their 11th straight finals under Hong Myung-bo, and a European play-off winner complete the set.
In Group B, Canada's golden generation, featuring Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David under Jesse Marsch, seeks a first-ever finals point. They face a stern test from a consistent Switzerland side and hosts Qatar, whose squad is drawn entirely from the domestic league.
Group C marks Scotland's first World Cup in 28 years, pitting them against Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti. Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil are favourites, while African semi-finalists Morocco pose a major threat. Haiti's participation is complicated by a US travel ban on their nation.
The host nation, the USA, headlines Group D. After a rocky period, Mauricio Pochettino's side found form with a 5-1 thrashing of Uruguay. They face Paraguay, Australia, and a European play-off winner, with Christian Pulisic's fitness key to their hopes.
Group E to H: European Giants and Emerging Forces
Group E presents a fascinating challenge for a vulnerable Germany. They face a defensively superb Ecuador, AFCON champions Côte d'Ivoire, and tournament debutants Curaçao, the smallest nation ever to qualify.
The Netherlands and Japan are favourites to progress from Group F. The Dutch, unbeaten in qualifying, open against an impressive Japanese side. Tunisia and a potential Sweden side, managed by Graham Potter, complete a competitive group.
Group G sees Belgium and Egypt navigating post-golden generation eras. Iran's potential travel restrictions add a logistical hurdle, while New Zealand, though dominant in Oceania, are the lowest-ranked qualified team.
European champions Spain, the world's top-ranked side, are the team to beat in Group H. Their fluid attack will test a Uruguay side in turmoil after a heavy defeat to the USA, alongside Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia.
Group I to L: Superstar Showdowns and Title Contenders
The headline fixture in Group I is a clash between Kylian Mbappé's France and Erling Haaland's Norway. France also face a rematch with Senegal, who beat them in 2002. Norway qualified with a 100% record, scoring 37 goals.
Reigning champions Argentina, led by the evergreen Lionel Messi, are clear favourites in Group J. They face an entertaining Algeria, a dynamic Austria under Ralf Rangnick, and Jordan.
Group K revolves around Cristiano Ronaldo's role for Portugal. Roberto Martínez insists on selecting the 40-year-old, despite concerns his presence hinders a gifted midfield. DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia provide stern opposition.
Finally, Group L features an England side with genuine title expectations under Thomas Tuchel. They qualified without conceding and face familiar foes Croatia, a resurgent Ghana, and Panama.
The 2026 World Cup draw has laid the foundation for a month of unforgettable football, where legendary careers could reach their climax and new heroes will be born on the grandest stage.
