World Cup 2026 Groups Guide: 48 Teams, Tables & Schedule

Official Draw Updates

The groups displayed below reflect the latest projections and official slot allocations. This page updates in real-time. Bookmark this page to stay ahead of the official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Draw.

Tournament Format & Rules

48 Teams

The biggest World Cup ever. 48 nations divided into 12 groups of 4 teams each. A massive expansion from the previous 32-team era.

Advancement

Top 2 teams from each group + the 8 best 3rd-place teams advance to the Round of 32. Every match counts until the final whistle.

Schedule

3 matches per team in the group stage. Points system: 3 for a Win, 1 for a Draw, 0 for a Loss. Tiebreakers decided by Goal Difference.

Tournament Groups (A-L)

Group A

Analysis

Mexico

CONCACAF • Rank 15

South Africa

CAF • Rank 61

South Korea

AFC • Rank 22

FIFA

PO D

Qualification Path

Playoff D Winner - One of: Denmark, Ireland, Czech Republic, or North Macedonia

Group B

Analysis

Canada

CONCACAF • Rank 27

FIFA

PO A

Qualification Path

Playoff A Winner - One of: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Wales or Northern Ireland

Qatar

AFC • Rank 51

Switzerland

UEFA • Rank 17

Group C

Analysis

Brazil

CONMEBOL • Rank 5

Morocco

CAF • Rank 11

Haiti

CONCACAF • Rank 84

Scotland

UEFA • Rank 36

Group D

Analysis

USA

CONCACAF • Rank 14

Paraguay

CONMEBOL • Rank 39

Australia

AFC • Rank 26

FIFA

PO C

Qualification Path

Playoff C Winner - One of: Slovakia, Kosovo, Turkey or Romania

Group E

Analysis

Germany

UEFA • Rank 9

Curaçao

CONCACAF • Rank 82

Ivory Coast

CAF • Rank 42

Ecuador

CONMEBOL • Rank 23

Group F

Analysis

Netherlands

UEFA • Rank 7

Japan

AFC • Rank 18

FIFA

PO B

Qualification Path

Playoff B Winner - One of: Ukraine, Poland, Albania or Sweden

Tunisia

CAF • Rank 40

Group G

Analysis

Belgium

UEFA • Rank 8

Egypt

CAF • Rank 34

Iran

AFC • Rank 20

New Zealand

OFC • Rank 86

Group H

Analysis

Spain

UEFA • Rank 1

Cape Verde

CAF • Rank 68

Saudi Arabia

AFC • Rank 60

Uruguay

CONMEBOL • Rank 16

Group I

Analysis

France

UEFA • Rank 3

Senegal

CAF • Rank 19

FIFA

PO 2

Qualification Path

Playoff 2 Winner - One of: Bolivia, Iraq or Suriname

Norway

UEFA • Rank 29

Group J

Analysis

Argentina

CONMEBOL • Rank 2

Algeria

CAF • Rank 35

Austria

UEFA • Rank 24

Jordan

AFC • Rank 66

Group K

Analysis

Portugal

UEFA • Rank 6

FIFA

PO 1

Qualification Path

Playoff 1 Winner - One of: Jamaica, Democratic Republic of the Congo or New Caledonia

Uzbekistan

AFC • Rank 50

Colombia

CONMEBOL • Rank 13

Group L

Analysis

England

UEFA • Rank 4

Croatia

UEFA • Rank 10

Ghana

CAF • Rank 72

Panama

CONCACAF • Rank 30

Geography of the Tournament

Host Cities by Region

West Region

5 Cities

Central Region

6 Cities

East Region

5 Cities

Key Narratives to Watch

The "Group of Death"

With the expanded field, the concentration of elite teams might dilute, but expect at least one group where three giants collide.

Host Advantage

USA, Mexico, and Canada play all group matches on home soil. Can they leverage the home crowd to top their groups?

Underdog Stories

New slots for CAF, AFC, and CONCACAF mean debutant nations. Who will be the 2026 version of Morocco 2022?

Historical Context

A Tournament of Firsts

2026 marks the first time three nations co-host the World Cup. It's also the debut of the 48-team format, resulting in 104 total matches—40 more than previous tournaments.

104

Total Matches

Host Cities

Key Dates & Timeline

Late 2025

Official Final Draw

Teams assigned to groups A-L

June 11, 2026

Opening Match

Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

July 19, 2026

World Cup Final

MetLife Stadium, New York/NJ

Safety Guide

Stay safe during your World Cup trip. Essential safety tips, emergency contacts, and local laws for all host countries.

View Safety Guide

Travel Tips

Essential travel advice for navigating USA, Mexico, and Canada. Flight booking, accommodation, and packing guides.

Get Travel Tips

Stadiums

Explore all 16 world-class venues. Seating charts, stadium amenities, and match schedules for every arena.

View Stadiums

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the World Cup 2026 format and groups.

How many groups are in the World Cup 2026?

There are 12 groups in total, labeled A through L. This is the first tournament to feature 48 teams, expanded from the previous 32-team format.

How many teams advance from each group?

The top two teams from each group (24 teams) plus the 8 best third-place teams will advance to the Round of 32 knockout stage.

What are the tiebreaker rules for the group stage?

If teams are tied on points, the ranking is determined by: 1) Goal difference in all group matches, 2) Number of goals scored in all group matches, 3) Head-to-head points, 4) Head-to-head goal difference, 5) Head-to-head goals scored, 6) Fair play points (yellow/red cards), 7) Drawing of lots.

When does the group stage start and end?

The World Cup 2026 group stage kicks off on June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The group stage matches will conclude in late June 2026, followed immediately by the Round of 32.

How is the third-place ranking determined?

The 8 best third-place teams are ranked based on: 1) Points, 2) Goal difference, 3) Goals scored, 4) Fair play points, 5) Drawing of lots.

What is the 'Group of Death'?

The 'Group of Death' is a popular term for a group that contains more strong competitors than the number of qualifying places available. In 2026, with 3 teams potentially advancing, the definition may shift, but it still refers to the toughest group by average world ranking.

How were teams seeded?

Teams are seeded based on the FIFA World Ranking. The hosts (USA, Mexico, Canada) automatically take top seeds in Groups A, B, and C (or similar designated groups), while other top-ranked nations head the remaining groups.

Where are group stage matches played?

Matches are played across 16 host cities in three zones: West (Vancouver, Seattle, SF, LA, Guadalajara), Central (KC, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Monterrey, Mexico City), and East (Toronto, Boston, Philadelphia, NY/NJ, Miami).

How can I watch group stage matches?

Matches will be broadcast globally. In the US, FOX Sports and Telemundo hold rights. In Canada, TSN and RDS. In Mexico, Televisa and TV Azteca. Check your local listings for specific channels and streaming services.

What happens if teams tie on points?

As mentioned in the tiebreaker rules, Goal Difference is the first criteria used to separate teams tied on points, followed by Goals Scored.

How do the Round of 32 matchups work?

The Round of 32 pairs group winners against runners-up and third-place teams. The specific matchups are predetermined by the tournament bracket, ensuring teams from the same group do not meet again until later stages.

Will there be penalty shootouts in the group stage?

No, there are no penalty shootouts in the group stage. Matches can end in a draw, with each team earning 1 point.

Which teams automatically qualified?

The three host nations—United States, Mexico, and Canada—qualified automatically. All other 45 teams must qualify through their respective continental confederation tournaments.

What is the maximum number of points a team can get?

A team plays 3 group matches. With 3 points for a win, the maximum score is 9 points. The minimum to advance is mathematically variable but typically 4 points is safe.

Can host nations play each other in the group stage?

No. As top seeds in separate groups (A, B, C or similar), USA, Mexico, and Canada will not face each other in the group stage. They could potentially meet in the knockout rounds.

How many matches are played per day?

During the group stage, there will be up to 4 matches played per day to accommodate the expanded schedule of 72 group stage games.

Are the stadiums air-conditioned?

Some stadiums, like AT&T Stadium (Dallas), NRG Stadium (Houston), and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta), have retractable roofs and climate control. Open-air stadiums in hot climates may have specific cooling protocols.

When will the full match schedule with times be released?

The specific kickoff times for all group matches will be confirmed after the Final Draw, optimizing for television audiences in the participating countries.

Can I buy tickets for a specific team?

Yes, FIFA typically offers 'Team Specific Series' tickets that follow your chosen team through the group stage and potentially knockout rounds.

What is the travel distance between host cities?

Distances can be significant. To minimize travel fatigue, FIFA has organized the group stage into regional clusters (West, Central, East), so teams won't have to fly cross-continent between group matches.

Official Draw Updates

The groups displayed below reflect the latest projections and official slot allocations. This page updates in real-time. Bookmark this page to stay ahead of the official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Draw.

Tournament Format & Rules

48 Teams

The biggest World Cup ever. 48 nations divided into 12 groups of 4 teams each. A massive expansion from the previous 32-team era.

Advancement

Top 2 teams from each group + the 8 best 3rd-place teams advance to the Round of 32. Every match counts until the final whistle.

Schedule

3 matches per team in the group stage. Points system: 3 for a Win, 1 for a Draw, 0 for a Loss. Tiebreakers decided by Goal Difference.

Tournament Groups (A-L)

Group A

Analysis

Mexico

CONCACAF • Rank 15

South Africa

CAF • Rank 61

South Korea

AFC • Rank 22

FIFA

PO D

Qualification Path

Playoff D Winner - One of: Denmark, Ireland, Czech Republic, or North Macedonia

Group B

Analysis

Canada

CONCACAF • Rank 27

FIFA

PO A

Qualification Path

Playoff A Winner - One of: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Wales or Northern Ireland

Qatar

AFC • Rank 51

Switzerland

UEFA • Rank 17

Group C

Analysis

Brazil

CONMEBOL • Rank 5

Morocco

CAF • Rank 11

Haiti

CONCACAF • Rank 84

Scotland

UEFA • Rank 36

Group D

Analysis

USA

CONCACAF • Rank 14

Paraguay

CONMEBOL • Rank 39

Australia

AFC • Rank 26

FIFA

PO C

Qualification Path

Playoff C Winner - One of: Slovakia, Kosovo, Turkey or Romania

Group E

Analysis

Germany

UEFA • Rank 9

Curaçao

CONCACAF • Rank 82

Ivory Coast

CAF • Rank 42

Ecuador

CONMEBOL • Rank 23

Group F

Analysis

Netherlands

UEFA • Rank 7

Japan

AFC • Rank 18

FIFA

PO B

Qualification Path

Playoff B Winner - One of: Ukraine, Poland, Albania or Sweden

Tunisia

CAF • Rank 40

Group G

Analysis

Belgium

UEFA • Rank 8

Egypt

CAF • Rank 34

Iran

AFC • Rank 20

New Zealand

OFC • Rank 86

Group H

Analysis

Spain

UEFA • Rank 1

Cape Verde

CAF • Rank 68

Saudi Arabia

AFC • Rank 60

Uruguay

CONMEBOL • Rank 16

Group I

Analysis

France

UEFA • Rank 3

Senegal

CAF • Rank 19

FIFA

PO 2

Qualification Path

Playoff 2 Winner - One of: Bolivia, Iraq or Suriname

Norway

UEFA • Rank 29

Group J

Analysis

Argentina

CONMEBOL • Rank 2

Algeria

CAF • Rank 35

Austria

UEFA • Rank 24

Jordan

AFC • Rank 66

Group K

Analysis

Portugal

UEFA • Rank 6

FIFA

PO 1

Qualification Path

Playoff 1 Winner - One of: Jamaica, Democratic Republic of the Congo or New Caledonia

Uzbekistan

AFC • Rank 50

Colombia

CONMEBOL • Rank 13

Group L

Analysis

England

UEFA • Rank 4

Croatia

UEFA • Rank 10

Ghana

CAF • Rank 72

Panama

CONCACAF • Rank 30

Geography of the Tournament

Host Cities by Region

West Region

5 Cities

Central Region

6 Cities

East Region

5 Cities

Key Narratives to Watch

The "Group of Death"

With the expanded field, the concentration of elite teams might dilute, but expect at least one group where three giants collide.

Host Advantage

USA, Mexico, and Canada play all group matches on home soil. Can they leverage the home crowd to top their groups?

Underdog Stories

New slots for CAF, AFC, and CONCACAF mean debutant nations. Who will be the 2026 version of Morocco 2022?

Historical Context

A Tournament of Firsts

2026 marks the first time three nations co-host the World Cup. It's also the debut of the 48-team format, resulting in 104 total matches—40 more than previous tournaments.

104

Total Matches

Host Cities

Key Dates & Timeline

Late 2025

Official Final Draw

Teams assigned to groups A-L

June 11, 2026

Opening Match

Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

July 19, 2026

World Cup Final

MetLife Stadium, New York/NJ

Safety Guide

Stay safe during your World Cup trip. Essential safety tips, emergency contacts, and local laws for all host countries.

View Safety Guide

Travel Tips

Essential travel advice for navigating USA, Mexico, and Canada. Flight booking, accommodation, and packing guides.

Get Travel Tips

Stadiums

Explore all 16 world-class venues. Seating charts, stadium amenities, and match schedules for every arena.

View Stadiums

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the World Cup 2026 format and groups.

How many groups are in the World Cup 2026?

There are 12 groups in total, labeled A through L. This is the first tournament to feature 48 teams, expanded from the previous 32-team format.

How many teams advance from each group?

The top two teams from each group (24 teams) plus the 8 best third-place teams will advance to the Round of 32 knockout stage.

What are the tiebreaker rules for the group stage?

When does the group stage start and end?

The World Cup 2026 group stage kicks off on June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The group stage matches will conclude in late June 2026, followed immediately by the Round of 32.

How is the third-place ranking determined?

The 8 best third-place teams are ranked based on: 1) Points, 2) Goal difference, 3) Goals scored, 4) Fair play points, 5) Drawing of lots.

What is the 'Group of Death'?

How were teams seeded?

Where are group stage matches played?

How can I watch group stage matches?

What happens if teams tie on points?

As mentioned in the tiebreaker rules, Goal Difference is the first criteria used to separate teams tied on points, followed by Goals Scored.

How do the Round of 32 matchups work?

Will there be penalty shootouts in the group stage?

No, there are no penalty shootouts in the group stage. Matches can end in a draw, with each team earning 1 point.

Which teams automatically qualified?

The three host nations—United States, Mexico, and Canada—qualified automatically. All other 45 teams must qualify through their respective continental confederation tournaments.

What is the maximum number of points a team can get?

A team plays 3 group matches. With 3 points for a win, the maximum score is 9 points. The minimum to advance is mathematically variable but typically 4 points is safe.

Can host nations play each other in the group stage?

No. As top seeds in separate groups (A, B, C or similar), USA, Mexico, and Canada will not face each other in the group stage. They could potentially meet in the knockout rounds.

How many matches are played per day?

During the group stage, there will be up to 4 matches played per day to accommodate the expanded schedule of 72 group stage games.

Are the stadiums air-conditioned?

When will the full match schedule with times be released?

The specific kickoff times for all group matches will be confirmed after the Final Draw, optimizing for television audiences in the participating countries.

Can I buy tickets for a specific team?

Yes, FIFA typically offers 'Team Specific Series' tickets that follow your chosen team through the group stage and potentially knockout rounds.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Groups, Teams & Match Schedule

Official Draw Updates

Tournament Format & Rules

48 Teams

Advancement

Schedule

Tournament Groups (A-L)

Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Group E

Group F

Group G

Group H

Group I

Group J

Group K

Group L

Host Cities by Region

West Region

Central Region

East Region

Key Narratives to Watch

The "Group of Death"

Host Advantage

Underdog Stories

A Tournament of Firsts

Key Dates & Timeline

Safety Guide

Travel Tips

Stadiums

Frequently Asked Questions

How many groups are in the World Cup 2026?

How many teams advance from each group?

What are the tiebreaker rules for the group stage?

When does the group stage start and end?

How is the third-place ranking determined?

What is the 'Group of Death'?

How were teams seeded?

Where are group stage matches played?

How can I watch group stage matches?

What happens if teams tie on points?

How do the Round of 32 matchups work?

Will there be penalty shootouts in the group stage?

Which teams automatically qualified?

What is the maximum number of points a team can get?

Can host nations play each other in the group stage?

How many matches are played per day?

Are the stadiums air-conditioned?

When will the full match schedule with times be released?

Can I buy tickets for a specific team?

What is the travel distance between host cities?

FIFA World Cup 2026 Groups, Teams & Match Schedule

Official Draw Updates

Tournament Format & Rules

48 Teams

Advancement

Schedule

Tournament Groups (A-L)

Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Group E

Group F

Group G

Group H

Group I

Group J

Group K

Group L

Host Cities by Region

West Region

Central Region

East Region

Key Narratives to Watch

The "Group of Death"

Host Advantage

Underdog Stories

FIFA World Cup 2026
Groups, Teams & Match Schedule

FIFA World Cup 2026
Groups, Teams & Match Schedule