Full Draw Confirmed for Expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage

The official draw for the group stage of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup has concluded, setting the stage for the first-ever 48-team tournament hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Dependable NG reports that the ceremony took place on Friday at the iconic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The draw saw the 48 participating countries—42 confirmed and six slots reserved for playoff winners—divided into 12 groups of four (Groups A through L).

The draw was conducted by former England captain Rio Ferdinand, assisted by a remarkable line-up of sporting legends, including Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Aaron Judge, and Shaquille O’Neal.

The African representatives face several high-profile clashes: South Africa will open the tournament against co-host Mexico, while 2022 semi-finalists Morocco face five-time champions Brazil in Group C. Group L provides a tough challenge for Ghana, who will meet both England and 2018 runners-up Croatia.

Here is the full group stage draw:

Group Teams
A Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, European Play-off D Winner
B Canada, European Play-off A Winner, Qatar, Switzerland
C Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
D United States, Paraguay, Australia, European Play-off C Winner
E Germany, Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador
F Netherlands, Japan, European Play-off B Winner, Tunisia
G Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
H Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
I France, Senegal, FIFA Play-off Tournament 2 Winner, Norway
J Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
K Portugal, FIFA Play-off Tournament 1 Winner, Uzbekistan, Colombia
L England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

The tournament is scheduled to kick off on June 11, 2026. The top two teams from each of the 12 groups, along with the eight best third-place finishers, will advance to the new Round of 32 knockout stage.