The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage brings together 48 teams across 12 competitive groups. From football powerhouses to exciting newcomers, each team will battle for a spot in the Round of 32.
On this page, you’ll find a complete breakdown of all groups, participating teams, key players, and expert insights. Whether you’re tracking favourites or spotting dark horses, this guide keeps you fully informed throughout the group stage.
As the tournament approaches in June 2026, the groups were drawn on December 5, 2025, setting the stage for an expanded World Cup co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The tournament is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026, with the opening match in Mexico City. The final is set for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in the New York/New Jersey area.
The group stage runs from June 11 to June 27, followed by knockout rounds until the final. With playoffs still to be resolved in March 2026, some spots remain as placeholders for UEFA and inter-confederation winners.
How the World Cup 2026 Group Stage Works
The 2026 FIFA World Cup introduces a major format change: 48 teams have been drawn into 12 groups of four (Groups A–L). Each team plays 3 matches in a round-robin format within their group.
The top 2 teams from each group advance automatically to the knockout stage. Additionally, the 8 best third-placed teams across all groups also progress, creating a Round of 32.
Tie-breakers (if teams are tied on points):
- Points in head-to-head matches
- Goal difference in head-to-head matches
- Goals scored in head-to-head matches
- Overall goal difference
- Overall goals scored
- Fair play points
- FIFA ranking
Ranking Best Third-Placed Teams
- Points
- Overall goal difference
- Goals scored
- Fair play points
- FIFA ranking
After the group stage, the tournament moves straight into the knockout rounds, culminating in the final on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Breakdown
The groups at the FIFA World Cup 2026:
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, UEFA Playoff D (Czechia/Denmark/North Macedonia/Republic of Ireland)
Group B: Canada, UEFA Playoff A (Bosnia and Herzegovina/Italy/Northern Ireland/Wales), Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, UEFA Playoff C (Kosovo/Romania/Slovakia/Türkiye)
Group E: Germany, Curacao, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, UEFA Playoff B (Albania/Poland/Sweden/Ukraine), Tunisia
Group G: IR Iran, New Zealand, Belgium, Egypt
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, Inter-Confederation Playoff 2 (Bolivia/Iraq/Suriname), Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, Inter-Confederation Playoff 1 (Congo DR/Jamaica/New Caledonia), Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A – Teams & Overview
Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup sets the stage for an electrifying start to the tournament, headlined by co-hosts Mexico in what promises to be a vibrant blend of home advantage, African resilience, Asian dynamism, and European uncertainty.
As the opening group, it features the inaugural match at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11, 2026, where Mexico will face South Africa.
Who is in Group A at the World Cup 2026?
Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup consists of co-hosts Mexico, along with South Africa, South Korea, and the winner of the UEFA Playoff D path (either Czech Republic, Denmark, North Macedonia, or Republic of Ireland).
The teams confirmed for Group A are:
- Mexico (Co-hosts)
- South Africa
- South Korea (Korea Republic)
- UEFA Playoff D Winner
Where is Group A playing?
Group A matches will be played from Thursday, June 11, to Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
The six group-stage fixtures will be hosted across four cities in the United States and Canada:
- Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
- Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.
- Estadio BBVA in Monterrey.
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Who is the favourite to win the 2026 World Cup Group A?
Mexico are the clear and significant favourite to win the 2026 World Cup Group A, with a battle for second place likely between South Korea and the UEFA Playoff D Winner.
Predicted Group A Standings
| Position | Team |
|---|---|
| 1st | Mexico |
| 2nd | South Korea |
| 3rd | UEFA Playoff D Winner* |
| 4th | South Africa |
FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B – Teams & Overview
Group B of the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises a captivating mix of home-team energy, recent hosting experience, European solidity, and playoff intrigue, anchored by co-hosts Canada in a group that could swing dramatically based on the UEFA qualifier.
As one of the opening groups, it kicks off with Canada’s debut match on June 12, 2026, at BMO Field in Toronto against the UEFA Path A winner, setting the tone for the tournament’s North American flair.
Who is in Group B at the World Cup 2026?
Group B of the 2026 FIFA World Cup consists of co-hosts Canada, alongside Switzerland, Qatar, and the winner of the UEFA Playoff A path (either Italy, Wales, Northern Ireland, or Bosnia and Herzegovina).
The teams confirmed for Group B are:
- Canada (Co-hosts)
- Switzerland
- Qatar
- UEFA Playoff A Winner
Where is Group B playing?
Group B matches will take place from Friday, June 12, to Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
The six group-stage fixtures will be hosted across five cities in Canada and the United States:
- Toronto, Canada: BMO Field (Toronto Stadium)
- Vancouver, Canada: BC Place
- San Francisco Bay Area, USA: Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, California)
- Los Angeles, USA: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California)
- Seattle, USA: Lumen Field
Who is the favourite to win the 2026 World Cup Group B?
Switzerland are the clear and significant favourite to win the 2026 World Cup Group B, with a battle for second place likely to ensue between the UEFA Playoff A Winner and Canada.
Predicted Group B Standings
| Position | Team |
|---|---|
| 1st | Switzerland |
| 2nd | Canada |
| 3rd | UEFA Playoff A Winner |
| 4th | Qatar |
FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C – Teams & Overview
Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup embodies the tournament’s global diversity, featuring South American flair, African tenacity, Caribbean underdog spirit, and European grit, with powerhouse Brazil leading the charge in a group ripe for thrilling encounters.
Kicking off on June 13, 2026, with Brazil facing Haiti at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Who is in Group C at the World Cup 2026?
Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup consists of five-time champions Brazil, 2022 semi-finalists Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti.
The teams confirmed for Group C are:
- Haiti
- Brazil
- Morocco
- Scotland
Where is Group C playing?
Group C matches will take place from Saturday, June 13, to Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
The six group-stage fixtures will be held across five major cities in the Eastern United States.
- New York/New Jersey: MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)
- Boston: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA)
- Philadelphia: Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA)
- Miami: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL)
- Atlanta: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)
Who is the favourite to win the 2026 World Cup Group C?
Brazil are the clear and significant favourite to win the 2026 World Cup Group C, with a battle for second place likely between Morocco and Scotland.
Predicted Group C Standings
| Position | Team |
|---|---|
| 1st | Brazil |
| 2nd | Morocco |
| 3rd | Scotland |
| 4th | Haiti |
FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D – Teams & Overview
Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup captures the essence of North American hosting pride, South American grit, Oceanic determination, and European wildcard potential, with co-hosts the United States spearheading a group that blends familiarity with international challenge.
Opening on June 12, 2026, with the USA facing Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Who is in Group D at the World Cup 2026?
Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup consists of co-hosts United States, along with Paraguay, Australia, and the winner of the UEFA Playoff C path (either Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo).
The teams confirmed for Group D are:
- UEFA Playoff C Winner
- United States (Co-hosts)
- Paraguay
- Australia
Where is Group D playing?
Group D matches will take place from Friday, June 12, to Thursday, June 25, 2026.
The six group-stage fixtures will be hosted across four cities in the United States and Canada:
- Vancouver (British Columbia, Canada)
- Los Angeles (Inglewood, California)
- San Francisco Bay Area (Santa Clara, California)
- Seattle (Seattle, Washington)
Who is the favourite to win the 2026 World Cup Group D?
The United States are the clear and significant favourite to win the 2026 World Cup Group D, with a battle for second place likely between Australia and Paraguay.
Predicted Group D Standings
| Position | Team |
|---|---|
| 1st | United States |
| 2nd | Australia |
| 3rd | Paraguay |
| 4th | UEFA Playoff C Winner* |
FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E – Teams & Overview
Group E of the 2026 FIFA World Cup brings together a compelling fusion of European pedigree, Caribbean debut flair, African power, and South American resilience, led by powerhouse Germany in a setup that promises tactical battles and potential surprises.
Commencing on June 13, 2026, with Germany taking on Curaçao at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Who is in Group E at the World Cup 2026?
Group E of the 2026 FIFA World Cup consists of four-time champions Germany, the reigning African Cup of Nations champions Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and tournament debutants Curaçao.
The teams confirmed for Group E are:
- Curaçao
- Germany
- Ivory Coast
- Ecuador
Where is Group E playing?
Group E matches will take place from Sunday, June 14, to Thursday, June 25, 2026.
The six group-stage fixtures will be held across five major cities in the United States and Canada.
- Houston, TX: NRG Stadium (Houston Stadium)
- Philadelphia, PA: Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Stadium)
- Toronto, Canada: BMO Field (Toronto Stadium)
- Kansas City, MO: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Stadium)
- East Rutherford, NJ: MetLife Stadium (New York New Jersey Stadium)
Who is the favourite to win the 2026 World Cup Group E?
Germany is the clear and significant favourite to win the 2026 World Cup Group E, with a battle for second place likely between Ecuador and Côte d’Ivoire.
Predicted Group E Standings
| Position | Team |
|---|---|
| 1st | Germany |
| 2nd | Ecuador |
| 3rd | Ivory Coast |
| 4th | Curaçao |
FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F – Teams & Overview
Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a compelling mix of European pedigree, Asian consistency, and African resilience, and a final team to be determined from Europe’s playoffs.
The group is set to provide several interesting matchups, opening on June 14, 2026, with the Netherlands vs. Japan at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Dallas.
Who is in Group F at the World Cup 2026?
Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup consists of the Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, and the winner of the UEFA Playoff B path (either Ukraine, Poland, Sweden, or Albania).
The teams confirmed for Group F are:
- UEFA Playoff B Winner
- Netherlands
- Japan
- Tunisia
Where is Group F playing?
Group F matches will be played from Sunday, June 14, to Thursday, June 25, 2026.
The six group-stage fixtures will be hosted across four cities in the United States and Canada:
- Dallas (Arlington, TX): AT&T Stadium (Dallas Stadium)
- Monterrey (Guadalupe, MEX): Estadio BBVA (Monterrey Stadium)
- Houston, TX: NRG Stadium (Houston Stadium)
- Kansas City, MO: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Stadium)
Who is the favourite to win the 2026 World Cup Group F?
The Netherlands are the clear and significant favourite to win the 2026 World Cup Group F, with a battle for second place likely between Japan and the UEFA Playoff B Winner.
Predicted Group F Standings
| Position | Team |
|---|---|
| 1st | Netherlands |
| 2nd | Japan |
| 3rd | UEFA Playoff B Winner* |
| 4th | Tunisia |
FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G – Teams & Overview
Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup brings together European excellence, African ambition, Asian tenacity, and Oceanic determination, led by powerhouse Belgium in a setup that promises strategic showdowns and possible upsets.
Commencing on June 15, 2026, with Belgium taking on Egypt at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Who is in Group G at the World Cup 2026?
Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup consists of Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand.
The teams confirmed for Group G are:
- Belgium
- Egypt
- Iran
- New Zealand
Where is Group G playing?
Group G matches will be played from Monday, June 15, to Friday, June 26, 2026.
The six group-stage fixtures will be hosted across three cities on the West Coast of North America.
- Seattle, USA: Lumen Field (Seattle Stadium).
- Los Angeles, USA: SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood).
- Vancouver, Canada: BC Place (BC Place Vancouver).
Who is the favourite to win the 2026 World Cup Group G?
Belgium are the clear and significant favourite to win the 2026 World Cup Group G, with a battle for second place likely between Egypt and the IR Iran.
Predicted Group G Standings
| Position | Team |
|---|---|
| 1st | Belgium |
| 2nd | Egypt |
| 3rd | Iran |
| 4th | New Zealand |
FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H – Teams & Overview
Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup brings together European dominance, South American heritage, Asian persistence, and African debutants, led by world number one Spain in a configuration that promises technical mastery and gritty encounters.
Commencing on June 15, 2026, with Spain facing Cape Verde at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Who is in Group H at the World Cup 2026?
Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup consists of Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and Cabo Verde (Cape Verde).
The teams confirmed for Group H are:
- Spain
- Uruguay
- Saudi Arabia
- Cabo Verde
Where is Group H playing?
Group H matches will be played from Monday, June 15, to Friday, June 26, 2026.
The six group-stage fixtures will be hosted across four cities in the United States and Mexico.
- Atlanta, GA: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Stadium).
- Miami, FL: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Stadium).
- Houston, TX: NRG Stadium (Houston Stadium).
- Guadalajara, MEX: Estadio Akron (Zapopan).
Who is the favourite to win the 2026 World Cup Group H?
Spain is the clear and significant favourite to win the 2026 World Cup Group H, with second place likely to be Uruguay.
Predicted Group H Standings
| Position | Team |
|---|---|
| 1st | Spain |
| 2nd | Uruguay |
| 3rd | Saudi Arabia |
| 4th | Cabo Verde |
FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I – Teams & Overview
Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup brings together European flair, African strength, Scandinavian grit, and an intercontinental wildcard, led by powerhouse France in a setup that promises intense rivalries and potential upsets.
Commencing on June 16, 2026, with France taking on Senegal at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
Who is in Group I at the World Cup 2026?
Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup consists of 2018 champions France, alongside Senegal, Norway, and the winner of the Intercontinental Playoff 2 path (either Iraq, Bolivia, or Suriname).
The teams confirmed for Group I are:
- France
- Senegal
- Norway
- Intercontinental Playoff 2 Winner
Where is Group I playing?
Group I matches will be played from Tuesday, June 16, to Friday, June 26, 2026.
The six group-stage fixtures will be hosted across four cities in the Northeastern United States and Canada.
- New York/New Jersey: MetLife Stadium (New York New Jersey Stadium)
- Boston (Foxborough, MA): Gillette Stadium (Boston Stadium)
- Philadelphia, PA: Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Stadium)
- Toronto, Canada: BMO Field (Toronto Stadium)
Who is the favourite to win the 2026 World Cup Group I?
France is the clear and significant favourite to win the 2026 World Cup Group I, with a battle for second place likely between Senegal and Norway.
| Position | Team |
|---|---|
| 1st | France |
| 2nd | Norway |
| 3rd | Senegal |
| 4th | Playoff Winner 2* |
FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J – Teams & Overview
Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup brings together South American supremacy, African resilience, European revival, and Asian debut flair, led by defending champions Argentina in a setup that promises high-stakes clashes and potential surprises.
Commencing on June 16, 2026, with Argentina taking on Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
Who is in Group J at the World Cup 2026?
Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup consists of the defending champions Argentina, along with Austria, Algeria, and tournament debutants Jordan.
The teams confirmed for Group J are:
- Argentina
- Austria
- Algeria
- Jordan
Where is Group J playing?
Group J matches will be played from Tuesday, June 16, to Saturday, June 27, 2026.
The six group-stage fixtures will be hosted across three cities in the United States.
- Arlington, TX: AT&T Stadium (Dallas Stadium)
- Kansas City, MO: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Stadium)
- Santa Clara, CA: Levi’s Stadium (San Francisco Bay Area Stadium)
Who is the favourite to win the 2026 World Cup Group J?
The defending champions, Argentina, are the clear and significant favourites to win Group J of the 2026 World Cup, with a battle for second place likely to ensue between Austria and Algeria.
Predicted Group J Standings
| Position | Team |
|---|---|
| 1st | Argentina |
| 2nd | Austria |
| 3rd | Algeria |
| 4th | Jordan |
FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K – Teams & Overview
Group K of the 2026 FIFA World Cup brings together European star power, South American dynamism, Asian breakthrough ambition, and an intercontinental underdog, led by powerhouse Portugal, in a setup that promises generational farewells and potential breakthroughs.
Commencing on June 17, 2026, with Portugal taking on the FIFA Playoff 1 Winner at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Who is in Group K at the World Cup 2026?
Group K of the 2026 FIFA World Cup consists of Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, and the winner of the Inter-confederation Playoff Path 1 (either DR Congo, Jamaica, or New Caledonia).
The teams confirmed for Group K are:
- Inter-confederation Playoff Path 1 Winner
- Portugal
- Colombia
- Uzbekistan
Where is Group K playing?
Group K matches will be played from Wednesday, June 17, to Saturday, June 27, 2026.
The six group-stage fixtures will be hosted across five cities in the United States and Mexico.
- Houston, TX: NRG Stadium (Houston Stadium)
- Mexico City, MEX: Estadio Azteca (Mexico City Stadium)
- Guadalajara, MEX: Estadio Akron (Estadio Guadalajara)
- Miami, FL: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Stadium)
- Atlanta, GA: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Stadium)
Who is the favourite to win the 2026 World Cup Group K?
Portugal is the clear and significant favourite to win Group K of the 2026 World Cup, with second place likely to be Colombia.
Predicted Group K Standings
| Position | Team |
|---|---|
| 1st | Portugal |
| 2nd | Colombia |
| 3rd | Uzbekistan |
| 4th | Playoff Winner* |
FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L – Teams & Overview
Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup brings together European heavyweights, African contenders, and Central American grit, led by powerhouse England in a setup that promises high-stakes rivalries and potential upsets.
Commencing on June 17, 2026, with England taking on Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Who is in Group L at the World Cup 2026?
Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup consists of England, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.
The teams confirmed for Group L are:
- England
- Croatia
- Ghana
- Panama
Where is Group L playing?
Group L matches will be played from Wednesday, June 17, to Saturday, June 27, 2026..
The six group-stage fixtures will be hosted across five cities in the Northeastern United States, Texas, and Canada.
- Arlington, TX: AT&T Stadium (Dallas Stadium)
- Toronto, Canada: BMO Field (Toronto Stadium)
- Foxborough, MA: Gillette Stadium (Boston Stadium)
- East Rutherford, NJ: MetLife Stadium (New York New Jersey Stadium)
- Philadelphia, PA: Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Stadium)
Who is the favourite to win the 2026 World Cup Group L?
England is the overwhelming favourite to win Group L of the 2026 World Cup, with a battle for second place likely between Croatia and Ghana.
Predicted Group L Standings
| Position | Team |
|---|---|
| 1st | England |
| 2nd | Croatia |
| 3rd | Ghana |
| 4th | Panama |
Top Group Stage Matches to Watch at the 2026 World Cup
Several highly anticipated matches will take place during the 2026 World Cup group stage, with exciting storylines like the clash of superstars, rematches of previous knockout games, and crucial opening fixtures for the host nations.
Here are some of the top matches to watch:
- France vs. Norway (June 26)
- England vs. Croatia (June 17)
- Brazil vs. Morocco (June 13)
- USA vs. Paraguay (June 12)
- Spain vs. Uruguay (June 26)
- Netherlands vs. Japan (June 14)
Bookmark this page for live group standings and match updates during the tournament.