Official: FIFA World Cup 2026 draw revealed: see all 12 groups!

The football world witnessed today the official draw for the historic FIFA World Cup 2026, which revealed a group stage packed with heavyweight teams, rising contenders, and the promise of unforgettable storylines.

Set to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, the tournament will be the largest in World Cup history, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With an expanded format and more teams than ever before, anticipation is reaching new heights as nations now know their path toward global glory.

The 2026 edition will mark a historic milestone for African football, as the tournament features nine African nations for the first time ever — with the possibility of reaching ten depending on playoff results.

The confirmed African participants are: South Africa, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Egypt, Senegal, Algeria, Ghana, and Cape Verde. A tenth spot could be secured if DR Congo wins its intercontinental playoff, potentially setting a new record for Africa’s representation on the world stage.

Here is the full breakdown of the FIFA World Cup 2026 groups:

Group A: Mexico (Host) – South Africa – South Korea – Playoff Winner
Group B: Canada (Host) – Qatar – Switzerland – Playoff Winner
Group C: Brazil – Morocco – Scotland – Haiti
Group D: USA (Host) – Paraguay – Australia – Playoff Winner
Group E: Germany – Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) – Ecuador – Curaçao
Group F: Netherlands – Japan – Tunisia – Playoff Winner
Group G: Belgium – Egypt – Iran – New Zealand
Group H: Spain – Saudi Arabia – Uruguay – Cape Verde
Group I: France – Senegal – Norway – Playoff Winner
Group J: Argentina (Defending Champions) – Algeria – Austria – Jordan
Group K: Portugal – Uzbekistan – Colombia – Playoff Winner (DR Congo vs. New Caledonia/Jamaica)
Group L: England – Croatia – Panama – Ghana

South Africa in the opening game

The tournament will kick off with a nostalgic matchup, as hosts Mexico take on South Africa in the opening match on Thursday, 11 June 2026 — a repeat of the iconic 2010 World Cup opener in Johannesburg.

With traditional giants spread across the draw and dark horses poised to surprise, the 2026 World Cup promises drama from the very first kick. Fans worldwide will now begin analyzing matchups as football’s greatest show edges closer.

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