2026 FIFA World Cup Draw: Groups, Matchups, and Predictions
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw has been completed, and the stage is set for an exciting tournament. The United States will face Paraguay in their first World Cup match on home soil in 32 years, while England will take on Croatia eight years after their semifinal matchup. France will face Norway, with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland going head-to-head in a highly anticipated matchup.
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, and UEFA Playoff D
Mexico, ranked 15th in the world, will face South Africa, ranked 61st, and South Korea, ranked 22nd. The winner of UEFA Playoff D, which could be Denmark, North Macedonia, Czech Republic, or Republic of Ireland, will complete the group. Mexico’s confidence has been waning, and they will look to bounce back against South Africa. South Korea, meanwhile, sailed through Asian qualifying undefeated and will be a tough opponent.
The best game of the group will be Mexico vs. South Korea, with both teams looking to make a statement. The X factor will be Mexico’s home advantage, with the pressure of playing in front of their fans potentially affecting their performance. The predicted order of finish is Mexico, South Korea, UEFA Playoff D, and South Africa.
Group B: Canada, UEFA Playoff A, Qatar, and Switzerland
Canada, ranked 41st in the world, will face the winner of UEFA Playoff A, which could be Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales, or Bosnia and Herzegovina. They will also face Qatar, ranked 51st, and Switzerland, ranked 17th. Canada’s wait to secure their first World Cup point should soon be over, with a relatively favorable draw.
The best game of the group will be Switzerland vs. Canada, with the Swiss looking to maintain their unbeaten record in qualifying. The X factor will be the fitness of Alphonso Davies, Canada’s standout player, who is recovering from an ACL injury. The predicted order of finish is Switzerland, Canada, UEFA Playoff A, and Qatar.
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland
Brazil, ranked 3rd in the world, will face Morocco, ranked 10th, Haiti, ranked 87th, and Scotland, ranked 47th. This group is expected to be a thrilling one, with Brazil looking to win their sixth World Cup title. Morocco, meanwhile, will look to cause an upset, having reached the semifinals in 2022.
The best game of the group will be Brazil vs. Morocco, with both teams looking to make a statement. The X factor will be the fitness of Neymar, Brazil’s star player, who has been struggling with injuries. The predicted order of finish is Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti.
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, and UEFA Playoff C
The United States, ranked 13th in the world, will face Paraguay, ranked 50th, Australia, ranked 27th, and the winner of UEFA Playoff C, which could be Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo. The USMNT will look to bounce back from a disappointing draw, with a relatively favorable group.
The best game of the group will be USA vs. Paraguay, with both teams looking to make a statement. The X factor will be the fitness of Christian Pulisic, the USMNT’s star player, who has been struggling with injuries. The predicted order of finish is USA, Paraguay, Australia, and UEFA Playoff C, or alternatively, Türkiye, USA, Paraguay, and Australia if the highest-ranked playoff team qualifies.
Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador
Germany, ranked 15th in the world, will face Curaçao, ranked 86th, Ivory Coast, ranked 34th, and Ecuador, ranked 41st. This group is expected to be a challenging one, with Germany looking to bounce back from a disappointing World Cup in 2022.
The best game of the group will be Germany vs. Ecuador, with both teams looking to make a statement. The X factor will be the fitness of Jamal Musiala, Germany’s star player, who has been struggling with injuries. The predicted order of finish is Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, and Curaçao.
