The 2026 World Cup was the biggest tournament in the history of the World Cup: 48 teams in 12 groups of 4, 104 matches, and three host countries — the USA, Canada and Mexico. The draw was held on 5 December 2025, and the tournament took place between 11 June and 19 July 2026. The page below preserves the original draw picture, including the slots marked at that stage as playoff winners.
Group A — Mexico Open at Home: Mexico (hosts), South Korea, South Africa, UEFA Playoff D winner. Mexico open at the Estadio Azteca on 11 June — just like in 2010. Immense pressure on El Tri to get out of the group.
Group B — Canada at Home: Canada (hosts), Switzerland, Qatar, UEFA Playoff A winner. Canada enjoy home advantage. Playoff A includes Italy, Wales, Bosnia and Northern Ireland — a draw that could change the face of the group.
Group C — Brazil and Morocco: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti. This is one of the strongest groups. Five-time world champions Brazil against Morocco, who reached the semifinal in 2022. Scotland return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, and Haiti make history with their debut appearance.
Group D — USA at Home: USA (hosts), Paraguay, Australia, UEFA Playoff C winner. The American team will play all their matches on the West Coast. Playoff C includes Turkey, Slovakia, Kosovo and Romania.
Group E — Germany: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curaçao. Curaçao Make History with their debut appearance — a small Caribbean island that has become the tournament's underdog story. Germany are expected to advance easily, but Ivory Coast and Ecuador could spring a surprise.
Group F — Netherlands vs. Japan: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, UEFA Playoff B winner. A rematch from the 2022 World Cup, where Japan stunned. Playoff B includes Ukraine, Poland, Albania and Sweden — any of which could shake up the group.
Group G — Belgium: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand. One last chance for Belgium's "golden generation." Egypt bring Mohamed Salah (if fit), and New Zealand earned Oceania's first guaranteed automatic spot.
Group H — Spain vs. Uruguay: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay. Two World Champions Collide — Spain (2010) against Uruguay (1930, 1950). Saudi Arabia hope to repeat their 2022 upset against Argentina. Cape Verde make their debut appearance.
Group I — France Defend Their Spot: France, Senegal, Norway, Intercontinental Playoff 2 winner. France, 2018 champions and 2022 finalists, open against Senegal in a fascinating Africa-Europe matchup. Norway return to the World Cup, and the playoff winner (Iraq, Bolivia or Suriname) will complete the group.
Group J — Argentina: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan. Lionel Messi's (Expected) Last World Cup. The defending champions received a relatively favorable draw — but we all remember that Saudi Arabia beat them in 2022. Austria could spring a surprise.
Group K — Portugal and Ronaldo: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Intercontinental Playoff 1 winner. Cristiano Ronaldo's Farewell Tour. Colombia are the main threat — a dangerous attack and a strong World Cup tradition. Uzbekistan make their debut appearance.
Group L — England and Croatia: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana. England and Croatia Meet Again — a rematch of the historic 2018 semifinal. Ghana bring African talent, and Panama return after their 2018 debut.
12 groups of 4 teams (not 8 groups of 3, as had been considered). The top two from each group advance, plus the 8 best third-place teams — a total of 32 teams advance to the knockout stage. This is a major change: adding a round of 32 before the round of 16. 104 Matches In total, leading up to the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July.
How Many Teams Are Taking Part in the 2026 World Cup?
48 teams — up from the 32 that took part since 1998. This is the biggest format in the history of the World Cup, with 12 groups of 4 teams each.
When and Where Is the 2026 World Cup Final?
The final was held on 19 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA. The stadium holds 82,500 seats and was also used for group-stage and knockout matches.
Has the 2026 World Cup Already Ended?
Yes. The tournament ended on 19 July 2026. The page is kept as an archive of the draw and the expanded format.
The 2026 World Cup featured 48 teams, 16 cities and three host countries, and ended on 19 July 2026.
To the World Cup 2026 page: results, summaries and tournament archive »
