African countries like Ghana, South Africa, and many more now know their opponents in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins today as the draw for the expanded 48-team tournament takes place, setting the stage for one of the most highly anticipated global sporting events in recent history, with countries like Ghana, South Africa and many more knowing their opponents in the group stage of the upcoming tournament.
This year’s draw carries extra intrigue, with the 2026 World Cup being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the first edition to feature three host nations and the first to expand from 32 to 48 teams. The new format includes 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, advancing to the knockout rounds.
Football fans around the world are watching closely as traditional powerhouses like Brazil, Germany, Argentina, France and Spain learn their routes through the competition, while emerging football nations hope for favourable group placements that could boost their chances of making historic runs.
The draw will also set the tone for major storylines heading into the tournament, from potential “groups of death” to host nation matchups and renewed rivalries. Coaches, analysts and supporters are expected to react immediately as the brackets are confirmed.
The full group-stage schedule, including venues and match timings across North America, will be released shortly after the draw. With anticipation at its peak, today marks the true countdown to a World Cup that promises to be bigger, bolder and more globally accessible than ever before.
World Cup 2026 Group Stage
- Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, European play-off D
- Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, European play-off A
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
- Group D: USA, Australia, Paraguay, European play-off C
- Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curacao
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, European play-off B
- Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand
- Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
- Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, FIFA Playoff tournament 2
- Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan
- Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, FIFA Playoff tournament 1
- Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana
