The stage is officially set for the biggest FIFA World Cup in history. The draw for the 2026 tournament, to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, was conducted on December 5, 2025, revealing the paths all 48 qualified nations must navigate to reach glory.
Ghana Handed Formidable Challenge in Group L
For the Black Stars of Ghana, the road to the knockout stages will be a steep climb. The team was placed in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama. This pairing immediately evokes memories of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, where Croatia edged past England to reach the final. Ghana will need to overcome one of these European powerhouses and navigate a tricky match against Panama to advance.
Brazil, the record five-time champions, also did not receive a straightforward passage. Drawn into Group C with Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti, the Seleção will be wary. Morocco's stunning run to the semi-finals in 2022 proves their quality, while Scotland is known for its resilient and physical style of play.
Favourites Get Favourable Paths, 'Group of Death' Emerges
Defending champions Argentina appear to have a smoother initial challenge. They headline Group J with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Similarly, European giants Spain will fancy their chances in Group H against Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde.
However, one group has already been labelled a potential 'Group of Death'. Group I features 2018 winners France, African champions Senegal, a FIFA play-off winner, and Norway, led by global superstar Erling Haaland. Every match in this group promises high intensity and drama.
The host nations learned their fate as well. The United States will play in Group D against Paraguay, Australia, and a UEFA play-off winner. Mexico heads Group A with South Africa, South Korea, and another UEFA play-off winner, while Canada is in Group B with Qatar, Switzerland, and a play-off side.
Tournament Schedule and Full Group Listings
The expanded 2026 World Cup is scheduled to kick off on June 11, 2026, culminating in the final on July 19, 2026, at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA. The draw was not without pre-event controversy, as Iran had threatened a boycott due to political tensions with host nation the United States, though they ultimately participated and were drawn into Group G.
The complete draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is as follows:
- Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Winner of Uefa play-off D*
- Group B: Canada, Winner of Uefa play-off A*, Qatar, Switzerland
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
- Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Winner of Uefa play-off C*
- Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Winner of Uefa play-off B*, Tunisia
- Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
- Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
- Group I: France, Senegal, Winner of Fifa play-off 2*, Norway
- Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
- Group K: Portugal, Winner of Fifa play-off 1*, Uzbekistan, Colombia
- Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
With the groups now known, teams and fans alike can begin their meticulous preparations for a tournament that promises to be longer, more diverse, and more unpredictable than any World Cup before it.
