The line-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is now complete with all 48 teams set to compete in the expanded 23rd edition of the tournament. Co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 to July 19, 2026, matches will take place across 16 host cities in North America.
Iraq became the 48th and final team to qualify after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bolivia in the intercontinental playoff final on March 31, 2026, in Monterrey, Mexico. This marks Iraq’s return to the World Cup after a 40-year absence since 1986. Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) also secured their spot via the playoffs, qualifying for their second World Cup appearance.
From Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Türkiye (Turkey), Sweden, and Czechia (Czech Republic) booked their places through the UEFA playoffs.
Full List of Qualified Teams for FIFA World Cup 2026
Hosts (3): Canada, Mexico, United States
AFC (Asia – 9): Australia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Uzbekistan
CAF (Africa – 10): Algeria, Cape Verde, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia
CONCACAF (6): Canada, Curaçao, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, United States
CONMEBOL (South America – 6): Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay
OFC (Oceania – 1): New Zealand
UEFA (Europe – 16): Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czechia, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye
This will be the first World Cup with 48 teams, featuring 12 groups of four and an expanded knockout stage.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Groups (A to L)
The final draw placed the 48 teams into 12 groups. Here is the complete group stage draw:
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia
Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye
Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
These groups set up exciting matchups, with several “groups of death” and debutants like Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan making their first appearances.
Full Group Stage Fixtures for FIFA World Cup 2026
The group stage runs from June 11 to June 27, 2026. Below are key fixtures (times in local/ET where specified; check official sources for exact kick-offs and venues as the tournament approaches). The opening match is Mexico vs South Africa.
Group A Fixtures
• June 11: Mexico vs South Africa (Mexico City)
• June 11/12: South Korea vs Czechia (Guadalajara)
• June 18: Czechia vs South Africa (Atlanta)
• June 18: Mexico vs South Korea (Guadalajara)
• June 24: Czechia vs Mexico (Mexico City)
• June 24: South Africa vs South Korea (Monterrey)
Group B Fixtures
• June 12: Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (Toronto)
• June 13: Qatar vs Switzerland (San Francisco Bay Area)
• Additional matches follow the standard rotation (exact dates/venues to be confirmed in full schedule).
Group C Fixtures
• June 13: Haiti vs Scotland (Boston)
• June 13: Brazil vs Morocco (New York/New Jersey)
Group D Fixtures
• June 12: United States vs Paraguay (Los Angeles)
• June 13: Australia vs Türkiye (Vancouver)
Group E Fixtures
• Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador will play their three matches each in the group phase.
Group F Fixtures
• Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia.
Group G Fixtures
• Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand.
Group H Fixtures
• Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay.
Group I Fixtures
• France, Senegal, Iraq, and Norway – Iraq will face tough competition against 2018 champions France and strong African side Senegal.
Group J Fixtures
• Argentina (defending champions), Algeria, Austria, Jordan.
Group K Fixtures
• Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia.
Group L Fixtures
• England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama.
The top two teams from each group (24 teams) plus the eight best third-placed teams advance to the Round of 32. The knockout stage begins June 28, with the final on July 19, 2026.
What to Expect at World Cup 2026
The expanded format promises more matches (104 total) and greater opportunities for underdogs. Fans can look forward to high-stakes clashes like Argentina vs strong Pot 2/3 sides, England’s campaign in Group L, and Iraq’s long-awaited return in Group I.
With stadiums like Estadio Azteca, SoFi Stadium, and BMO Field hosting games, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the biggest yet. Stay tuned for ticket details, full venue assignments, and live updates.
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