WORLD CUP 2026
All 12 Groups at a Glance
Here is a plain-English guide to all 12 groups — who’s in each, who’s expected to qualify, and what to watch for.
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia
Host nation Mexico are heavy favourites. South Korea bring Asian flair and Czechia are solid European competition. South Africa are the underdogs but could surprise.
Group B: Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
Host nation Canada have genuine quality and home support. Switzerland are steady European performers. Qatar (hosting for the first time since 2022) and Bosnia complete the group.
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
Brazil are one of the tournament favourites despite low expectations — they play exciting attacking football. Morocco caused a sensation at the 2022 World Cup (semi-finalists). Scotland qualify for the first time in decades. Haiti are the debutants.
Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey
Host nation USA are expected to progress — this is a huge moment for football in America. Turkey and Australia make it competitive.
Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curacao
Germany — four-time world champions — are strong favourites. Ecuador brings South American quality. Curacao are the dream story: a tiny Caribbean island nation at their first World Cup.
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
Netherlands are strong contenders for a deep run with attacking talent. Japan are always dangerous despite being written off. Sweden qualify after years away.
Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand
Belgium have world-class players but are in the twilight of their “golden generation.” Egypt have the legendary Mohamed Salah in what may be his last World Cup.
Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
Spain are the number one favourites to win the whole tournament. Uruguay bring South American grit. The group is Spain’s to lose.
Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, Bolivia/Suriname/Iraq (TBC)
France are co-favourites alongside Spain. Kylian Mbappe leads a brilliant squad. Norway and Erling Haaland are the wildcard. Senegal have pace and quality.
Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan
Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, in what many believe could be his final World Cup. Austria are quietly impressive. Argentina are expected to progress.
Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Congo DR
Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo — 41 years old and chasing the one trophy he has never won. Colombia are talented and entertaining. Portugal expected to qualify easily.
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
England’s group. See our full Group L breakdown for detail on every team.
