FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw Highlights: Co-hosts Mexico vs South Africa in opener, England vs Croatia in Group L

By Admin

06 Dec, 2025

The excitement for the FIFA World Cup 2026 reached new heights as the official draw took place at the prestigious Kennedy Center, conducted by former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand. The evening delivered headline-worthy moments, surprising group placements, and historic announcements making it a landmark event in the build-up to football’s biggest tournament.

One of the major highlights of the ceremony was US President Donald Trump receiving FIFA’s first-ever Peace Prize, marking an unexpected yet historic moment during the draw proceedings.

Co-Hosts Get Their Groups: Mexico, USA, and Canada Learn Their Opponents

All three host nations Mexico, the United States, and Canada now know their paths to the knockout rounds.

• Mexico, placed in Group A, will kick off the tournament with a thrilling opener against South Africa, along with Korea Republic and the Winner of Play-Off D.
  
  

• Canada finds itself in Group B, joined by Switzerland, Qatar, and the winner of the European Play-Off A.
  
  

• USA, hosting several major matches, is slotted into Group D alongside Australia, Paraguay, and the Winner of European Play-Off C.
  
  

The stage is set for a spectacular home advantage as North America prepares to welcome the world.

Defending Champions Argentina Begin in Group J

Reigning champions Argentina head into the tournament from Group J, accompanied by Austria, Algeria, and Jordan. Argentina will open their campaign with a challenging clash against Algeria, aiming for a strong start as they begin their title defense.

Spain, France, Portugal Get Competitive Groups

• Spain headline Group H, grouped with Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde a pool that promises tactical battles and high-paced football.
  
  

• France take their spot in Group I with Senegal, Norway, and the Winner of Play-Off 2.
  
  

• Portugal, led by a new generation of stars, anchor Group K with Colombia, Uzbekistan, and the Winner of Play-Off 1.
  
  

England vs Croatia: A Group L Blockbuster

One of the most anticipated matchups is set for Group L, where England will face Croatia, rekindling their intense rivalry from recent World Cups. They are joined by Panama and Ghana, making the group competitive and unpredictable.

Final Groups for FIFA World Cup 2026

Group A – Mexico, Korea Republic, South Africa, Winner of Play-Off D
Group B – Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, Winner of European Play-Off A
Group C – Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
Group D – USA, Australia, Paraguay, Winner of European Play-Off C
Group E – Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curacao
Group F – Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Winner of European Play-Off B
Group G – Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand
Group H – Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
Group I – France, Senegal, Norway, Winner of Play-Off 2
Group J – Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan
Group K – Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Winner of Play-Off 1
Group L – England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana