The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 nations divided into 12 groups for the first time in the tournament's history. Group I comprises France, Norway, Senegal, and Iraq.
Co-hosts Mexico, USA, and Canada are top seeds in Groups A, B, and D respectively. Scotland are in Group C with Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti, while England are in Group L with Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the first-ever round of 32, along with the eight best third-placed teams. With just three points potentially enough for some sides to reach the knockout stages, the competition promises to be intense.
There will be 104 matches in total, 40 more than at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are expected to play in the tournament for the last time in their illustrious careers.
The tournament kicks off at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium, site of Diego Maradona's famous 1986 goals against England and two classic World Cup finals. Mexico and Canada will host 13 games each, while the United States will host 78 matches, including all games from the quarter-finals onwards, with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
England's new golden generation, defending champions Argentina, France's deep squad, and Spain's evolving young side are among the favourites for the title.
