Argentina, Co-Hosts Handed Favourable Routes as 2026 World Cup Groups Revealed

Argentina headline Group J alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan, avoiding early-round heavyweights. England, Spain and Portugal also landed balanced groups, easing concerns of early high-stakes clashes.

The ceremony was attended by U.S. President Donald Trump, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, underscoring the political and sporting significance of the tournament. With 48 teams spread across 12 groups of four, the new format promises more fixtures and increased competition for knockout berths.

The co-hosts each secured home-advantage routes. Mexico open their campaign at the renovated Estadio Azteca against a group featuring South Korea, South Africa and the UEFA Playoff D winner. The United States were placed in Group D with Australia, Paraguay and a UEFA playoff entrant, while Canada will navigate a group containing Switzerland, Qatar and another playoff qualifier.

Brazil and Morocco anchor one of the standout early fixtures in Group C, joined by Scotland and Haiti. The Brazil–Morocco meeting is expected to attract global attention, especially after Morocco’s breakthrough semifinal run in 2022. France and Senegal will renew their 2002 rivalry in Group I, offering another marquee contest.

Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands each drew balanced pools, with no immediate threats of early exits. Iran’s placement in Belgium’s Group G may pose logistical challenges due to U.S. travel restrictions, with games scheduled on American soil.

FIFA will announce the complete match schedule, including venues and kick-off times, on Saturday. The tournament begins June 11, with the final set for July 19 in New Jersey, marking the largest World Cup ever staged.