FIFA World Cup 2026 draw: Messi’s Argentina to begin title defence against Algeria; Check full list of groups

New Delhi: The FIFA World Cup final draw concluded with a starry night at the Kennedy Centre in Washington, D.C, US on Saturday, delivering some exciting groups and fixtures for the showpiece event. Lionel Messi’s Argentina, the defending champions, will begin their title defence against Algeria in Group J. Argentina have been drawn against Algeria, Austria and debutant Jordan.

In what promises to be one of the most exciting groups in the upcoming World Cup, Kylian Mbappe’s France will be up against Erling Haaland‘s Norway in Group 1. Senegal are the other team in the group alongside the qualifier from FIFA Playoff 2. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal have been drawn against Uzbekistan, Colombia and the qualifier from FIFA Playoff 1 in Group K.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is all set to get underway on June 11, 2026. For the first time, 48 teams will be taking part in the tournament, which is set to be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Mexico will take on South Africa at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico in the opening game of the tournament.

Check out full list of groups after FIFA World Cup 2026 draw:

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, UEFA Playoff D

Group B: Canada, UEFA Playoff A, Qatar, Switzerland

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, UEFA Playoff C

Group E: Germany, Curaao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, UEFA Playoff B, Tunisia

Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

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

Group I: France, Senegal, FIFA Playoff 2, Norway

Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Group K: Portugal, FIFA Playoff 1, Uzbekistan, Colombia

Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

England drawn against Croatia, Brazil to face Morocco

England have been placed in Group L alongside 2018 finalists Croatia, Ghana and Panama, making it a well-balanced group. England will open their campaign against Croatia in a blockbuster fixture in Dallas or Toronto. 2010 champions Spain have been drawn against Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde, the smallest country to have qualified for the FIFA World Cup.

Which nation will top each group? 🧐@aramco | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/aPr4FD2mDB

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 6, 2025

Hosts United States have been drawn against Paraguay, Australia and UEFA Playoff C qualifier in Group D, while Group E comprises four-time champions Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curaao. Brazil, one of the most successful teams in World Cup history, have been drawn against Scotland, Haiti and Morocco in Group C.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 draw ceremony in Washington DC was a star-studded affair as several notable personalities attended the event. The ceremony began with FIFA president Gianni Infantino awarding the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney were also present at the event and drew balls for their respective national teams.

Several American sporting icons, including Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Aaron Judge and Wayne Gretzky, were present at the event. Former England defender Rio Ferdinand guided the proceedings at the draw ceremony. The final schedule of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be announced at 10 PM IST on Saturday, December 06.