Spain and France have been placed in challenging groups for the 2026 World Cup. England will face Croatia again, reminiscent of their 2018 semi-final clash. The tournament kicks off with co-hosts Mexico playing against South Africa, who hosted in 2010. South Korea is also part of Group A. The United States will compete against Australia and Paraguay, while Canada is set to play Switzerland and Haiti.
Spain, the reigning European champions and favourites according to Opta's supercomputer with a 17% chance, are in Group H. They will compete against Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde. Spain aims to become the first nation to hold both titles simultaneously for a second time, having done so in 2008, 2010, and 2012.
17% - According to the Opta Predictor,
reigning UEFA European Championship winners Spain are the favourites to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 (17%) they could become the first nation to hold both simultaneously for a second time (2008, 2010, 2012 previously). Elect. #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/tjCZKsEuj8 OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 5, 2025
Group I presents a significant challenge with France as one of the top contenders according to Opta's predictions. This will be Didier Deschamps' final tournament as France's manager. His team will face Norway led by Erling Haaland and Senegal. They will also play against either Iraq, Bolivia or Suriname.
Reigning champions Argentina are set to defend their title starting with Algeria before facing Austria and Jordan in Group J. Meanwhile, England has a chance for redemption against Croatia in Group L alongside Ghana and Panama.
6 - England have lost six of their last eight FIFA World Cup games against fellow European nations (W2), exiting the tournament to such sides in the last two editions (Croatia in 2018, France in 2022). Previous. #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/X7qY2gbjTj OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 5, 2025
African Champions Ivory Coast's Challenge
Ivory Coast aims to challenge Germany in Group E. Italy could join Group B if they succeed through their play-off route. Below is a summary of all groups for the upcoming World Cup:
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The stage is set for an exciting tournament with many teams looking forward to showcasing their skills on this global platform.
| Group A | Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, UEFA Play-off D winner (Denmark/Czech Republic/Ireland/North Macedonia) |
|---|---|
| Group B | Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, UEFA Play-off A winner (Italy/Wales/Bosnia-Herzegovina/Northern Ireland) |
| Group C | Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti |
| Group D | USA, Australia, Paraguay, UEFA Play-off C winner (Turkey/Slovakia/Kosovo/Romania) |
| Group E | Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curacao |
| Group F | Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia,Uefa Play-off B winner(Ukraine/Poland/Albania/Sweden) |
| Group G | Belgium,Iran,Egypt/New Zealand |
| Group H | Spain ,Uruguay ,Saudi Arabia,Cape Verde |
| Group I | France ,Senegal,Norway,FIFA Play-off 2 winner(Iraq/Bolivia /Suriname ) |
