The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been held, revealing the group stage opponents for England and Scotland. The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. This is a historic edition of the World Cup as it expands from 32 to a record 48 teams competing in a total of 104 matches.
Defending champions Argentina pitted in Group J
Holders Argentina have been pitted in Group J. Argentina, who topped the CONMEBOL qualifying stage with ease, will face the likes of Austria, Algeria, and Jordan. Notably, Argentina will open their World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16, 2026.
What about Thomas Tuchel’s England?
England have been drawn in Group L with Croatia, Panama, and Ghana. The Three Lions managed by Thomas Tuchel will kick off their campaign against Croatia on June 17 in Dallas or Toronto. This match is a repeat of the encounter at the 2018 World Cup, where they met in the semi-finals. After facing Ghana on June 23 in Toronto or Boston, England’s final group game will be against Panama on June 27.
Scotland make return to the World Cup and will face Brazil
Scotland, making a nostalgic return to the FIFA World Cup, have been drawn in Group C with Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti. Steve Clarke’s side will open their campaign against Haiti on June 13 in Boston or New Jersey-New York. They will then take on 2022 semi-final participants Morocco on June 19 before facing five-time winners Brazil in their final group match on June 24.
What about Euro winners Spain and Nations League champions Portugal?
Spain are in Group H and they open their World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia. Thereafter, they face Cape Verde and Uruguay. Notably, Spain are the Euro 2024 winners, having beaten England.
UEFA Nations League winners Portugal are pitted in Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan, DR Congo or Jamaica/New Caledonia. They open their journey against Uzbekistan before taking on Colombia. Thereafter, they face one between DR Congo or Jamaica/New Caledonia.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Here are the 12 groups
- Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Republic of Ireland/Denmark/North Macedonia/Czech Republic
- Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, Wales/Northern Ireland/Italy/Bosnia-Herzegovina
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
- Group D: USA, Australia, Paraguay, Turkey/Romania/Slovakia/Kosovo
- Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curacao
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Poland/Ukraine/Sweden/Albania
- Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand
- Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
- Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq or Bolivia/Suriname
- Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan
- Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, DR Congo or Jamaica/New Caledonia
- Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana
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