Football’s biggest icons — Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé — learnt their group-stage opponents on Friday as the draw for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered a fresh wave of global excitement and intrigue.
At a star-studded ceremony held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., former US President Donald Trump joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino to unveil the 12 groups that will shape the first 48-team World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The landmark tournament, billed as the most expansive in football history, will see teams spread across North America as they battle for a place in the newly enlarged knockout rounds.
Portugal, Argentina and France Handed Intriguing Group Tests
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal landed in Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan and the yet-to-be-determined Winner Play-off 1 — a draw that presents both opportunities and pitfalls for the former champions.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina, the reigning World Cup holders, will begin their title defence in Group J, where they face Algeria, Austria and Jordan in what appears a balanced but competitive field.
Kylian Mbappé’s France were drawn into Group I, joining Senegal, Norway and the Winner Play-off 2. With Senegal regarded as Africa’s most formidable side and Norway boasting Erling Haaland, Les Bleus face a challenging route to the knockouts.
England and Hosts Plot Paths to the Knockout Stage
England received a mix of familiar and unpredictable opponents in Group L, where they will face Croatia, Panama and Ghana. Gareth Southgate’s side will open against two teams known for upsetting major powers in past tournaments.
Co-hosts Mexico headline Group A, where they square off with South Africa, South Korea and the Winner Play-off D, while the United States lead Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia and Winner Play-off C. Canada, completing the trio of hosts, landed in Group B with Qatar, Switzerland and Winner Play-off A.
Full Group-Stage Draw
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Winner Play-off D
Group B: Canada, Winner Play-off A, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Winner Play-off C
Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Winner Play-off B, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, Winner Play-off 2, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, Winner Play-off 1, Colombia, Uzbekistan
Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana
A Tournament of Firsts on the Horizon
With 48 nations, unprecedented match venues across three countries and a new knockout format awaiting, the 2026 World Cup promises to reshape the global football spectacle. For the sport’s biggest names, the journey has now officially begun.
Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has awarded Trump a newly created FIFA “Peace Prize.” The move has sparked raucous debate among social media users.
As anticipation builds, all eyes turn to North America, where football’s next global chapter will unfold.
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