The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage was unveiled Friday at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, with U.S. President Donald Trump, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and FIFA President Gianni Infantino in attendance. Infantino awarded Trump the first FIFA Peace Prize, praising his “exceptional” efforts.
Mexico will open the tournament on June 11 against South Africa in Mexico City. The U.S. drew Australia and Paraguay in Group D, while Canada landed in Group B with Switzerland and Qatar. Shaquille O’Neal assisted with the draw and presented the trophy on stage.
The expanded format sends the top two teams and eight best third-place teams into a Round of 32. Tough groups appear to include A, D, G and L, with early marquee matches like Brazil–Morocco, England–Croatia and USA–Paraguay.
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Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed this will be his final World Cup. Lionel Messi said he hopes to play but will decide based on fitness. The tournament runs June 11–July 19, with the opener in Mexico City and the final at MetLife Stadium. Remaining spots will be settled in playoffs ending March 31.
Group Stage Lineup
Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, European playoff winner
Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, European playoff winner
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
Group D: USA, Australia, Paraguay, European playoff winner
Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curacao
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, European playoff winner
Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, playoff winner
Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, playoff winner
Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana