The world now knows how the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup groups will look next summer, though match locations and kickoff times will be announced on Saturday. This edition marks the first 48-team World Cup, with 42 teams confirmed during Friday’s Final Draw in Washington, D.C. The last six spots will be filled through the Play-Off Tournament this spring.
How the Draw Worked
Teams were placed into four pots of 12, based on FIFA rankings and the three host nations’ automatic placement. Pot 1 featured the United States, Mexico, Canada, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, and Germany. One team from each pot was drawn to form 12 groups (A–L).
Group Lineups
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, Playoff D winner
Group B: Canada, Playoff A winner, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Playoff C winner
Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Playoff B winner, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, Playoff 2, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, Playoff 1, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
The U.S. is expected to open against Panama in Los Angeles, though FIFA will confirm all match details Saturday.
Houston Matches
Houston’s NRG Stadium will host seven games: five group-stage matches plus one Round of 32 game and one Round of 16 game. Match dates already set:
June 14
June 17
June 20
June 23
June 26
Round of 32: June 29
Round of 16: July 4
North Texas Matches
Arlington’s AT&T Stadium will host nine matches, including five group-stage games and four knockout contests. Scheduled dates:
June 14
June 17
June 22
June 25
June 27
Round of 32: June 30, July 3
Round of 16: July 6
Semifinal: July 14
FIFA will release the full match schedule, team placements, and kickoff times on Saturday.
For more on the Men’s 2026 FIFA World Cup, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.