The World Cup group stage draw has set the path for Brazil and its rivals in the quest for the 2026 title. While schedules and venues are yet to be confirmed, some potential matchups can already be predicted.
This edition of the World Cup features 48 teams, compared to the 32 national teams in previous years. This means there will be an extra round of knockout matches before the round of 16.
Argentina, the current champion, is in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. France, the 2018 champion, is placed in Group I with Senegal, World Repechage B (details below), and Norway.
Spain will face Uruguay, Cabo Verde, and Saudi Arabia in Group H. England is in Group L with Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. Germany is drawn in Group E with Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador.
In the knockout stage scenarios, if Argentina tops its group, they will face the runner-up of Group H before the round of 16. Should they finish second in their group, they will face the Group H winner. Spain will follow a similar path if they win their group, facing the Group J runner-up.
If France tops its group, they could face an easier path, potentially meeting a third-place finisher from groups C, D, F, G, or H in the next round. If they finish as runners-up, they will meet the Group E runner-up.
Germany could also enjoy a favorable draw if they win their group, potentially facing a third-place finisher from groups A, B, C, D, or F in the next stage. From the quarterfinals onwards, matchups are expected to get tougher, with potential clashes like Germany vs. France or Spain vs. Colombia.
England may face Brazil in the quarterfinals, leading to a potential semi-final against the winner of Argentina vs. Portugal. Other potential semi-final matchups include France vs. Spain. Check out all the World Cup groups to see the full lineup of teams competing in the tournament.
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