FIFA Draw Sets up Exciting Field for the 2026 World Cup

Michael Savio
By: Michael Savio
World Cup 2026
Photo by bluesbby from Mountain View, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Photo by bluesbby from Mountain View, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Key Takeaways

  • The 2026 World Cup Field is now set after today’s draw
  • The field includes 12 groups of four teams
  • Match dates and locations will be announced on December 6

The field for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America is finally set.

FIFA leadership and international representatives gathered at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., today for the World Cup draw. The long-awaited event has the field set for the summer’s tournament, including where the playoff winners will go.

Below, we’ll share the results of the draw and what comes next for the largest World Cup field yet.

Draw Results

The draw created 12 groups of four to cover the tournament’s new 48-team format. The results are as follows:

Group

Teams

A

Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Winner Playoff D

B

Canada, Winner Playoff A, Qatar, Switzerland

C

Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

D

United States, Paraguay, Australia, Winner Playoff C

E

Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador

F

Netherlands, Japan, Winner Playoff B, Tunisia

G

Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

H

Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

I

France, Senegal, Winner Playoff 2, Norway

J

Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

K

Portugal, Winner Playoff 1, Colombia, Uzbekistan

L

England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

More Information Coming Saturday

With the 2026 World Cup field now set, fans will wait to see where and when their team will play. The good news is that the wait won’t be long, with FIFA planning to release all kickoff times and game locations on Saturday, December 6.

Once that is released, a flurry of ticket sales and travel plans will begin. 

We do recommend keeping close tabs on the status of games being played in the US. The threat of moving games remains and could lead to matches being moved soon after they are announced.

For those visiting from other countries, it is essential to be aware of the country’s massive size. Matches could be moved across the country, requiring expensive and time-consuming travel to reach the new location. The earlier you can adjust travel if matches are moved, the better off you will be.

Sportsbook Odds Coming Soon

Fans looking to wager on their favorite team will soon have far more options. Once the field and locations are set, soccer betting sites will quickly offer odds for the upcoming matches. While months away, the best sports betting sites will likely want to provide odds early.

While getting bets in early can be tempting, we recommend waiting until the tournament starts to place them. Given the uncertainty around host cities and visa statuses in the US, last-minute changes could have significant impacts. While bonuses and tempting odds may be available, we recommend avoiding them until at least the spring. 

Michael is an avid sports fan and a veteran bettor from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He learned the trade from his grandfather in Las Vegas as a kid. As an adult, Michael started picking games for a small sports betting site and has built it into a career. His experience allows him to provide tips and information to help other bettors improve their game. Michael cheers for all Wisconsin pro teams, the Arizona State Sun Devils (his alma mater), and the Ottawa Senators. He specializes in baseball betting but has extensive experience in football, basketball, and hockey. When he isn’t pouring over stats, he’s spending time with his two young children or hiking and enjoying the outdoors.

All Reviews by Michael Savio
Michael Savio

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