2026 World Cup Groups: Full Breakdown, Predictions and Key Fixtures

The groups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were decided in the official draw held by FIFA in December 2025 at the Kennedy Centre in Washington. With 48 national teams divided into 12 groups of four, the tournament will feature the largest format in World Cup history.

Some groups bring together two major football nations. Others feature one clear favourite and three teams fighting for position. There are also groups where all four sides will believe they have a realistic chance of reaching the knockout stage.

Here is the full breakdown of the 12 groups for the 2026 World Cup, including team context, expert betting angles and APWin’s projected qualifiers.

How Does the 2026 World Cup Group Stage Work?

The 2026 World Cup group stage will feature 12 groups of four teams. Each country will play three matches within its group.

The top two teams from each group will qualify directly for the knockout stage. The key change in 2026 is that the eight best third-placed teams across all 12 groups will also advance to the Round of 32.

Tie-breakers will follow the usual order: points, goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head record and, if necessary, FIFA ranking or additional FIFA criteria.

All 2026 World Cup Groups

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea and the Czech Republic

The opening match of the 2026 World Cup will be played in Group A, with Mexico facing South Africa at the Estadio Azteca on June 11. As one of the host nations, Mexico will have the advantage of playing in front of nearly 83,000 supporters at an altitude of around 2,240 metres.

South Korea look like the most dangerous opponent in this group. Their technical quality and tournament experience should put them firmly in the race for first place. South Africa and the Czech Republic are expected to compete for third, although both will see a path into the knockout stage under the expanded format.

Expert view: The altitude at the Azteca could be a major factor, particularly for European teams without proper acclimatisation. Mexico’s home matches may offer value in low-scoring markets.

APWin prediction:

• 1st Mexico

• 2nd South Korea

Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland

Canada begins their campaign at home in Toronto against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Switzerland are the strongest team on paper in Group B, bringing experience, structure and a proven record in major international tournaments.

Qatar return to the World Cup after hosting the previous edition, but Bosnia and Switzerland appear better equipped to compete for the automatic qualification places. Canada’s home advantage, however, could play a decisive role.

Expert view: Switzerland to qualify, particularly as group runner-up, may carry value given their recent tournament consistency. Matches in Toronto and Vancouver should be played in favourable weather conditions, which may support both-teams-to-score markets.

APWin prediction:

• 1st Canada

• 2nd Switzerland

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti and Scotland

Brazil’s 2026 World Cup group includes Morocco, Haiti and Scotland. The Seleção opens against Morocco at MetLife Stadium on June 13, before facing Haiti in Philadelphia and Scotland in Miami.

Morocco is the clear danger. After reaching the semi-finals in 2022 and winning the African title in 2024, they arrive with confidence and pedigree. Scotland and Haiti are not expected to win the group, but both have enough resilience to make individual matches difficult.

Expert view: Brazil are favourites to top the group, but Morocco to finish second looks like one of the more logical angles in this section.

APWin prediction:

• 1st Brazil

• 2nd Morocco

Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia and Turkey

The United States open their World Cup campaign at SoFi Stadium on June 12 against Paraguay. In Group D, Turkey look like the strongest challenger for top spot, while Australia’s run to the last 16 in 2022 means they cannot be dismissed.

Paraguay have a long history of making life uncomfortable for more fancied opponents at World Cups. Their defensive discipline could make this group tighter than it first appears.

Expert view: Turkey looks like a strong contender for second place and could be undervalued in early qualification markets.

APWin prediction:

• 1st United States

• 2nd Turkey

Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador

Germany enters Group E in the middle of a new cycle, with Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz expected to be central figures. Ivory Coast bring physical power and a solid collective structure, while Ecuador are organised, competitive and difficult to break down.

Curaçao will make their World Cup debut. The real fight for second place should come between Ivory Coast and Ecuador, making this one of the more balanced battles below the group favourite.

Expert view: Germany should lead the group, but the second-place race between the Ivory Coast and Ecuador is the most interesting market.

APWin prediction:

• 1st Germany

• 2nd Ivory Coast

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia

Group F features one of the most intriguing tactical matchups of the first round: the Netherlands vs Japan. Japan beat Germany and Spain in 2022 with a compact defensive block and sharp counter-attacking football — exactly the kind of style that can trouble possession-heavy teams.

Sweden qualified through the playoffs and has enough quality to cause problems. Tunisia are likely to fight for third place but should not be overlooked in the expanded format.

Expert view: Japan to qualify as runner-up has genuine appeal. Their tactical discipline makes them dangerous against elite European opposition.

APWin prediction:

• 1st Netherlands

• 2nd Japan

Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand

Belgium leads Group G, although its golden generation is no longer at its peak. With players such as Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans still involved, they remain favourites.

Iran and Egypt are tactically organised opponents who can frustrate stronger sides. New Zealand are the most accessible opponent in the group, leaving Iran and Egypt likely to compete for second place.

Expert view: Belgium are the favourite, but their squad is not as strong as in recent World Cups. Iran to qualify as runner-up could offer value.

APWin prediction:

• 1st Belgium

• 2nd Iran

Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay

Spain enters Group H as one of the leading contenders for the title. Uruguay are the real threat, with physical strength, tournament tradition and the kind of competitive edge that can disrupt any favourite in the group stage.

Saudi Arabia stunned Argentina in 2022 and will not lack belief. Cape Verde arrives with more quality than many debutants at this level and could make the group more complicated than expected.

Expert view: Spain is a strong favourite to finish first. Uruguay to advance as runner-up looks like a solid position, while humid conditions in Miami could make Spain vs Uruguay especially demanding.

APWin prediction:

• 1st Spain

• 2nd Uruguay

Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq and Norway

Group I is the group of death at the 2026 World Cup. France arrives as one of the tournament favourites, with depth across almost every position. Norway, led by Erling Haaland, have the attacking power to take points from any opponent. Senegal reached the last 16 in 2022 and remains one of Africa’s strongest sides.

Iraq return to the World Cup after a 40-year absence, having qualified through the intercontinental playoff against Bolivia. They are the least experienced team in the section, but they will see the expanded format as an opportunity.

Expert view: This is the toughest group of the first round. Norway to qualify, particularly as runner-up, could be one of the standout betting angles.

APWin prediction:

• 1st France

• 2nd Norway or Senegal

Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria and Jordan

Argentina enter Group J as reigning world champions and Copa América holders. On paper, this is one of the most favourable groups among the top contenders, with Algeria, Austria and Jordan all appearing manageable for the Albiceleste.

The real battle should be for second place. Algeria and Austria both have the quality to progress, while Jordan is likely to be the outsider.

Expert view: Argentina are clear favourites. The most competitive market is the race between Austria and Algeria for second place.

APWin prediction:

• 1st Argentina

• 2nd Austria or Algeria

Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia

Group K brings together Portugal and Colombia as the two strongest sides. Portugal arrives with Cristiano Ronaldo potentially playing his final World Cup at the age of 41.

Colombia impressed during South American qualifying and has the quality to compete for the top spot. DR Congo is physical, dangerous and capable of producing difficult moments for any opponent. Uzbekistan, coached by Fabio Cannavaro, made their World Cup debut.

Expert view: Portugal and Colombia to advance is the most likely outcome. Ronaldo’s final World Cup storyline will also be one of the main narratives of the tournament.

APWin prediction:

• 1st Portugal

• 2nd Colombia

Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama

England leads Group L under Thomas Tuchel. Croatia arrive in a period of transition, with Luka Modrić no longer the central figure, although players such as Mateo Kovačić and Joško Gvardiol still give the squad elite-level quality.

Ghana have enough individual talent to surprise, while Panama is likely to be the most limited side in the group. However, Panama’s defensive structure could still make them awkward opponents.

Expert view: England are favourites to top the group. Croatia to qualify as runner-up remains the most logical projection.

APWin prediction:

• 1st England

• 2nd Croatia

Responsible Betting Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Sports betting involves risk. Bet responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose.