The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in North America has set the stage for a major tournament, delivering compelling group stage fixtures for the home nations. England find themselves in a familiar and challenging scenario, while Scotland have landed a glamour tie against one of football's most iconic teams.
England's Path: A Croatian Reunion Headlines Group L
England have been drawn in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama for next summer's global showpiece. The most immediate headline is a rekindling of England's recent World Cup rivalry with Croatia. The two nations will meet in their opening match on June 17, with the game to be played in either Toronto or Dallas.
This fixture carries significant weight from recent history. Croatia famously defeated England in the 2018 semi-final in Russia before going on to the final. They then reached the semi-finals again at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. England's other group opponents present contrasting stories. They thrashed Panama 6-1 during the 2018 group stage, but have never faced Ghana in a competitive international match.
Scotland's Daunting Group C Challenge
For Scotland, qualification for their first World Cup since 1998 has been rewarded with a formidable draw. They will face five-time world champions Brazil, 2022 semi-finalists Morocco, and Haiti in Group C. Their campaign begins against Haiti on June 13.
The clash with Brazil will evoke memories of past World Cup meetings, with the sides having faced off four times previously in the tournament – in 1974, 1982, 1990, and 1998. That last encounter was the opening match of the 1998 finals in France, which was also Scotland's most recent appearance at this level.
Play-Off Prospects and Seeding Advantages
The draw also outlined potential paths for other home nations contingent on success in the upcoming play-offs. The Republic of Ireland, if they advance in March, would join co-hosts Mexico, South Korea, and South Africa in Group A.
Similarly, the winner of the play-off between Wales and Northern Ireland would be placed into Group B with co-hosts Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland. For England, the draw confirmed a significant seeding benefit. FIFA's new Wimbledon-style system ensures they are kept apart from top seeds Spain and Argentina until the semi-finals, and from France until the final, provided all win their respective groups.
If England top Group L, their round of 32 match would be against a third-place team in Atlanta on July 1. FIFA is set to confirm the exact locations and kick-off times for all group matches imminently, finalising the schedule for what promises to be a historic expanded tournament across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
