The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) on Friday officially unveiled the group stage draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at a high-profile ceremony held at the Kennedy Center, offering fans their first clear look at the group-stage match-ups for the world’s biggest football spectacle. The tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The technical draw ceremony was attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, US President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, along with senior officials from FIFA, representatives of the three host nations, and members of various football confederations. Several former international football stars and administrators were also present on the occasion.
Which nation will top each group? @aramco | #FIFAWorldCup pic.x.com/aPr4FD2mDB
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 6, 2025
Before the draw proceedings began, US President Donald Trump was honoured with FIFA’s first-ever Peace Prize, presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino in recognition of his contribution towards promoting peace through sport.
In the draw, hosts Mexico were placed in Group A alongside South Africa, Korea Republic and a team yet to be decided through the European playoffs. Canada will compete in Group B with Qatar, Switzerland and another playoff qualifier. Five-time champions Brazil headline Group C with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland, while co-hosts the United States lead Group D featuring Paraguay, Australia and a playoff team.
Group E features former champions Germany alongside Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire and Ecuador. The Netherlands headline Group F with Japan, Tunisia and a playoff team. Belgium lead Group G with Egypt, IR Iran and New Zealand, while Group H consists of Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
Defending champions France will compete in Group I with Senegal, Norway and a playoff winner. Argentina top Group J alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan. Portugal have been drawn into Group K with Uzbekistan, Colombia and a playoff team. England lead Group L featuring Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
As part of the background to this landmark edition, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the first tournament to feature 48 teams, a major expansion intended to enhance global participation and competitiveness. Matches will be staged across several cities in the three host nations.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is scheduled to kick off on June 11, 2026, and will run for over a month, promising fans around the world an extended celebration of football.
With powerhouse teams spread across the groups and several emerging football nations in the fray, the group stage is expected to deliver thrilling encounters and high-stakes drama right from the opening whistle.