The 2026 World Cup will begin on June 11 in Mexico City. Mexico will face South Africa in the tournament’s opening match at the Azteca Stadium. The historic venue previously hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals.
South Korea will then play a playoff winner in the tournament’s second match. South Africa return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010. They opened that tournament with a draw against Mexico but missed the knockout stage.
United States and Canada Launch Campaigns on Day Two
The United States will begin their campaign on June 12 in Los Angeles.
They will meet Paraguay in a highly anticipated fixture. Canada will face a playoff winner in Toronto on the same day. That opponent could potentially be Italy depending on playoff outcomes.
Defending Champions Argentina Placed in Group J
Argentina were drawn with Algeria, Austria and Jordan in Group J. The reigning champions aim to defend their title with confidence. Brazil were grouped with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in Group C. Scotland return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. They previously opened their campaign that year with a loss to Brazil.
Major Clashes Set for France and England
France will face Senegal in their opening match in Group I. Senegal famously stunned France in the 2002 tournament opener. England will start against Croatia in Group L. Croatia defeated England in the 2018 World Cup semi-final. England will also meet Panama, who they beat convincingly in 2018.
FIFA to Finalise Venues and Kickoff Times
Teams not in the hosts’ groups must wait for schedule details. FIFA will confirm venues and kickoff times on Saturday. Organisers aim to optimise timings for global television markets. These details may still shift in March after playoff decisions.
Expanded Format Creates Twelve Groups
The tournament will feature forty-eight teams for the first time. Six playoff winners remain undecided ahead of final qualification. Teams have been divided into twelve groups of four. The event will span sixteen cities across North America.
The final will take place in New Jersey on July 19. A new seeding system keeps the top four teams apart until the semi-finals.
2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage Draw
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, European Playoff D
Group B: Canada, European Playoff A, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, European Playoff C
Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, European Playoff B, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, FIFA Playoff 2, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, FIFA Playoff 1, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
