2026 FIFA World Cup draw conducted in Washington, D.C.

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was conducted at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., setting the stage for the first 48-team edition of the tournament, which featured 12 groups of four.

The leaders of the three joint-hosts, the United States, Canada, and Mexico, held their entries to start the draw. The biggest edition of the World Cup will kick off on June 11 with Mexico playing South Africa at the Azteca Stadium, the iconic venue of the 1970 and 1986 finals.

Canada face a formidable challenge with the possiblity of Italy joining their Group B via the playoffs, along with Switzerland and Qatar. The United States have a dream draw with Paraguay, Australia, and a playoff winner. Record five time champions Brazil were drawn against Morocco, who reached the semifinals in 2022, along with Haiti and Scotland. Defending champions Argentina are grouped with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.

Kylian Mbappe of France and Erling Haaland of Norway were drawn together in Group I, meeting early in the group stage. Senegal, one of Africa's strongest sides, also adds to the group's strength. England and Croatia find themselves together in Group L, a pairing of two sides widely considered capable of challenging for the title.

For Ghana and Panama, progressing from their group is expected to be a significant challenge.