2026 FIFA World Cup Draw: Here Are All the Groups as Argentina Aim to Defend Crown

2026 FIFA World Cup Draw: Here Are All the Groups as Argentina Aim to Defend Crown

  • Mexico, South Korea, and Ireland are all drawn into the same group, a rare scenario promising intense home-ground action
  • Argentina enters the tournament aiming to defend their 2022 World Cup title, setting up high-stakes clashes from the start
  • The draw has created exciting potential matchups, with favorites, underdogs, and fan-favorite nations all vying for early dominance

The stage is set for football’s grandest spectacle as the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw unveils the road ahead, with the Black Stars of Ghana handed a favourable group in Friday's ceremony.

Reigning champions Argentina enter the fray with dreams of defending their title, while the world watches to see which groups will deliver drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments.

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Complete list of the 2026 FIFA World Cup groups following Friday's draw in Washington. Image credit: FIFA, Black Stars
Source: Getty Images

With every team plotting their path to glory, the draw offers the first glimpse of the battles, rivalries, and surprises that await on the road to the ultimate prize.

Group A

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The 2026 World Cup draw has thrown together joint host nation Mexico, South Korea, and Ireland in Group A, creating a fascinating blend of home support, passionate fans, and global talent. Joining them is the winner of the European Play-Off D.

With each nation aiming to leave its mark on the tournament, fans can expect a series of intense battles and memorable moments.

Group B

Group B is set to sizzle as host nation Canada, Switzerland, and 2022 World Cup host Qatar find themselves together. The winner of the European Play-Off A fixture will join the trio in what is expected to be a balanced group.

Group C

In Group C, the spotlight shines on five-time champions Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland, while Haiti would fancy their chances against these top sides.

Group D

According to the BBC, Group D has one of the three host nations, the United States, as well as Australia, Paraguay, and the winner of the European Play-Off C match.

Group E

Meanwhile, four-time world champions Germany would do battle against Ecuador, the Ivory Coast, and debutants Curacao in Group E.

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Group F

Friday's draw has also paired the Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, and the winner of the European Play-Off 'B' match.

Group G

Moreover, Belgium, Iran, Egypt, and New Zealand are housed in World Cup Group G.

Group H

In Group H, 2010 World Cup champions Spain take on Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and African newcomers Cape Verde.

Group I

In the meantime, France, the finalists of the last tournament in Qatar, would compete against Senegal, Norway, and the winner of the second FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

Group J

Group J sees reigning champions Argentina, Austria, Algeria, and Jordan. On paper, this is a manageable group for Lionel Scaloni's men.

Group K

Here comes Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal's group. The 2016 European champions were paired against Colombia, and tournament freshers Uzbekistan, as well as the winner of the first FIFA Play-Off Tournament fixture.

Group L

According to The Sun, the final group is also fascinating. England, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama would compete against one another.

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What Ghana must fix ahead of 2026 WC amid good draw expectations

Ghana World Cup news, Argentina defending champions 2026, 2026 World Cup group stage matchups, 2026 FIFA World Cup group standings, Ghana vs. England World Cup, Ghana vs. Croatia, Ghana vs. Panama
Ghana meet England, Croatia, and Panama in 2026 World Cup Group L. Image credit: Black Stars
Source: Twitter

Black Stars potential World Cup squad

Earlier, YEN.com.gh predicted a list of 26 players that Black Stars of Ghana head coach Otto Addo is likely to assemble for next year's tournament.

The potential squad included the likes of Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Salisu, and Alexander Djiku.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Gariba Raubil avatar

Gariba Raubil (Sports Editor) Gariba Raubil is a skilled content writer and journalist with over 14 years of experience in sports journalism. He is a CAF and FIFA-accredited reporter and has been a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) since 2020. He has covered several international tournaments including two All Africa Games in 2015 and 2023. He also reported on the 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and the 2018 Women’s AFCON. Email: gariba.raubil@yen.com.gh

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