The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., has revealed the matchups for an expanded 48-team tournament, which will feature 12 groups of four teams each. Six spots are still pending, to be decided in playoffs set for March. The host nations Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. are pre-placed in Groups A, B, and D respectively.
Group C is generating significant interest, particularly with Brazil’s inclusion, drawing historical links to past champions Argentina and France, who also started their successful campaigns in similar contexts. The teams competing against Brazil are Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti. The U.S. is placed in Group D alongside Australia, Paraguay, and a UEFA playoff winner, a draw viewed as favorable for the Americans.
High-profile teams like Argentina, France, and Spain have acknowledged the tournament’s competitiveness, emphasizing the need for vigilance. France’s Group I includes Senegal and Norway, while defending champions Argentina will face Austria, Algeria, and Jordan in Group J.
The event also featured political and cultural dimensions, highlighted by President Donald Trump receiving the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize and making remarks on soccer’s global impact. The ceremony included performances by Andrea Bocelli, Lauryn Hill, and others, concluding with “Y.M.C.A.” by the Village People.
The tournament will kick off on June 11, 2026, with the opening match set between Mexico and South Africa at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The final is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The expanded format promises a thrilling and unpredictable World Cup experience.
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