These are the groups for the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup Groups: All Rivals and What You Need to Know

The 2026 World Cup draw has set the 12 groups for the tournament's first phase. With 48 national teams participating for the first time in history, anticipation and excitement are growing among fans worldwide.

Historic Format: 48 Teams and 12 Groups

This edition will mark a before and after: for the first time, the tournament will feature 48 teams divided into 12 groups of 4 national teams each. The top two teams from each group will advance directly to the Round of 32, along with the eight best third-placed teams — ensuring excitement until the end of the group stage.

Distribution of Seeds and Hosts

The host countries — the United States, Mexico, and Canada — were automatically placed as seeds, guaranteeing their presence in Groups A, B, and D. Alongside them, the highest-ranked national teams also formed Pot 1, leading to attractive pairings and power balances for the draw.

Confirmed Groups (some spots still to be defined)

Below is a summary of the first confirmed groups after the draw:

• Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Republic of Korea, UEFA Playoff D Winner
• Group B: Canada, UEFA Playoff A Winner, Qatar, Switzerland
• Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
• Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, UEFA Playoff C Winner
• Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador

What this World Cup Means for Fans

With an expanded format, more national teams, and a structure that allows for historical rematches and surprises, this 2026 World Cup promises to be the most diverse and unpredictable in history. For fans, each group represents hope: from consolidated powerhouses to emerging teams hungry for glory. Furthermore, the high number of teams invites dreams of surprises — risks, bets, new icons, and above all, football full of passion and pride.

What's Next? Anticipation and Emotions to Come

Although several groups are already known, some spots will still be decided via playoffs: the six remaining tickets will be awarded in the coming months. Until then, national teams worldwide are fine-tuning their pre-season, strengthening their squads, and dreaming of writing their history in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The 2026 World Cup arrives filled with excitement. For fans — and for those of us who love living football — it will be a roller coaster of emotions, national pride, and unforgettable moments.