FIFA World Cup 2026 Groups: All 12 Groups & 48 Teams
The complete FIFA World Cup 2026 group draw. For the first time in history, 48 teams compete across 12 groups (A to L), co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Browse every group, the qualified teams, and how the new format works below.
48
Teams
12
Groups
104
Matches
16
Venues
The Official Group Draw
The FIFA World Cup 2026 group draw took place in Washington, D.C. on December 6, 2025. For the first time, the tournament features 12 groups of four teams instead of the traditional eight. The top two teams from each group, plus the eight best third-placed sides, advance to a new Round of 32 knockout stage. Browse every group A through L below, with links to our full match guides.
World Cup 2026 Groups A to L
Group A
Group B
Group E
Group F
Group G
Group H
Group I
Group J
Group K
Group L
How the World Cup 2026 Groups Work
Group Stage Format
The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage runs from June 11 to June 27, 2026. Each of the 48 teams plays three group matches in a round-robin format. With 12 groups labeled A through L, the expanded structure creates more opportunities for underdog and debutant nations like Cape Verde, Curaรงao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.
Who Advances From the Groups?
The top two teams from each group automatically qualify for the knockout stage. Additionally, the eight best third-placed teams across all 12 groups also advance, bringing the total to 32 teams in the new Round of 32 knockout round, a first in World Cup history.
Group of Death: Group I
Many analysts consider Group I the group of death, featuring 2018 champions France, Senegal, Norway with Erling Haaland, and Iraq. Other competitive groups include Group C (Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti) and Group H (Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde).
Host Nations
The three co-hosts are spread across different groups: Mexico in Group A, Canada in Group B, and the United States in Group D. Mexico plays the opening match against South Africa at the historic Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026, a rematch of the 2010 opener.
World Cup 2026 Groups: Common Questions
How many groups are in the 2026 World Cup?
How do teams advance from the World Cup 2026 groups?
Which group is the group of death at World Cup 2026?
Which groups are the host nations in?
When does the World Cup 2026 group stage start?
Which teams are making their World Cup debut in 2026?
See the Full Match Schedule
Every fixture from the group stage through to the Final at MetLife Stadium, with TV channels and kickoff times for all 104 matches.