World Cup 2026 Draw: Schedule, Teams, and How to Watch
The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be something special. The draw and schedule just dropped, and there’s already a buzz about what’s to come.
This time, North America gets to play host. The United States, Canada, and Mexico will share the spotlight, with matches scattered across their cities.
Fans can expect wild games, surprise upsets, and those iconic moments that stick with you. The final? It’ll all go down at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026, at 3 pm ET.
Let’s get into the details of the draw, the schedule, and what each group might bring to the table.
Overview of the 2026 World Cup Draw
Table of Contents
The draw for 2026 has set up some intriguing matchups. Forty-eight teams are in, split into 12 groups of four.
Every group plays a round-robin, and the top two from each move on to the knockout stage. Organizers built the schedule to pull in big audiences and give fans a real show.
Key Highlights of the Draw
- The World Cup final lands at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
- Games will pop up in cities all over the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- Forty-eight teams, cut into 12 groups, will battle for a spot in the next round.
- The top two teams from each group head to the knockout stage.
Group-by-Group Breakdown
Let’s zoom in on each group and peek at the fixtures lined up for the 2026 World Cup. There are some stories waiting to unfold here.
Group A
Group A brings together Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, and the winner of UEFA Path D. Mexico opens against South Africa in Mexico City.
South Korea faces the UEFA Path D winner in Guadalajara. Mexico vs. South Korea could be spicy, and the group wraps with the Path D winner taking on Mexico.
Group B
Group B has Canada, Qatar, Switzerland, and the winner of UEFA Path A. Canada gets to play in Toronto and Vancouver—home turf, big energy.
Canada vs. Qatar and Switzerland vs. Canada both look like matches that might decide who goes through.
Group C
Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland make up Group C. Brazil’s games always grab attention, and their opener against Morocco in New Jersey should be a crowd-pleaser.
Scotland vs. Brazil and Morocco vs. Haiti might end up being decisive for the second spot.
Group D
Group D includes the United States, Paraguay, Australia, and the winner of UEFA Path C. The US plays in Los Angeles and Seattle—big crowds, lots of noise.
Keep an eye on the USA vs. Paraguay opener and the USA vs. Australia clash in Seattle.
Group E
Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador find themselves in Group E. Germany opens against Curacao in Houston.
Germany vs. Ivory Coast and Ecuador vs. Curacao could shake up the standings.
Group F
The Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, and the winner of UEFA Path B make up Group F. The Dutch play in Dallas and Houston, so expect a sea of orange.
Netherlands vs. Japan stands out, and Tunisia vs. Japan might end up being a decider for the second spot.
Book Your Dream Vacation Today
Flights | Hotels | Vacation Rentals | Rental Cars | Experiences
Group G
Group G lines up Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand. Belgium opens against Egypt in Seattle—should be lively.
Belgium vs. Iran and New Zealand vs. Egypt could end up deciding who advances.
Group H
Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay are in Group H. Spain kicks off against Cape Verde in Atlanta.
Spain vs. Saudi Arabia and Uruguay vs. Cape Verde look like key fixtures for the group.
Group I
Group I features France, Senegal, Norway, and the winner of IC Path 2. France opens against Senegal in New Jersey.
France vs. Norway and Senegal vs. the IC Path 2 winner are worth circling on the calendar.
Group J
Argentina, Algeria, Austria, and Jordan make up Group J. Argentina starts off against Algeria in Kansas City.
Argentina vs. Austria and Jordan vs. Algeria could have a big say in who goes through.
Group K
Group K brings together Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia, and the winner of IC Path 1. Portugal’s opener is against the IC Path 1 winner in Houston.
Portugal vs. Uzbekistan and Colombia vs. the IC Path 1 winner are matches to watch.
Group L
England, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama round out Group L. England faces Croatia first in Dallas.
England vs. Ghana and Panama vs. Croatia could end up being decisive for the group standings.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 World Cup looks like it’s shaping up to be a wild ride. There’s a real buzz around the matches, the upsets that might happen, and maybe even a few moments that’ll go down in history.
This draw really set the tone. Every group brings its own flavor, and a couple of those matchups? Yeah, they’re already circled on a lot of calendars.
People everywhere are just counting down the days. MetLife Stadium hosting the final—now that’s going to be something to see.
If you want to dig deeper into the draw or the schedule, check out the New York Times.