The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026

With 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four — the largest field in tournament history. From Mexico's opening showdown with South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca to England's reunion with Croatia in Group L, every group has its own narrative. This is a complete preview of all 12 groups (A through L) with predictions, full fixtures, kickoff times, and qualifying odds for every team.

How the 2026 World Cup Group Stage Works

The expansion from 32 to 48 teams created a new structure: 12 groups of four, with three teams able to advance from each. The top two go through automatically to the new Round of 32. The eight best third-placed teams from across all 12 groups also advance.

Tiebreakers are applied in this order: points, goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head record, fair play score, and finally drawing of lots. The third-placed team rankings then use points, goal difference, goals scored, conduct score, and FIFA world ranking.

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, Czechia

Group A Predictions

Favorite: Mexico | Dark horse: Korea Republic

Mexico open their home World Cup at Estadio Azteca, giving them an emotional and tactical edge. Korea Republic, with Son Heung-min and a deeper attacking pool, are the most likely second-place finishers. South Africa qualified for their first World Cup since 2010 and will fancy their chances in the opener. Czechia rely on physicality and set pieces.

Predicted finish: 1) Mexico 2) Korea Republic 3) Czechia 4) South Africa

Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland

Group B Predictions

Favorite: Switzerland | Dark horse: Canada

Switzerland are the most experienced side and the slight statistical favorites, but Canada have home advantage and a generation of talent led by Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David. Bosnia and Herzegovina return to a major tournament after years away. Qatar carry their 2022 hosting experience but lack edge against this competition.

Predicted finish: 1) Canada 2) Switzerland 3) Bosnia 4) Qatar

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Group C Predictions

Favorite: Brazil | Dark horse: Morocco

Brazil face Morocco — the 2022 semifinalists — in arguably the most-watched group game of the entire opening weekend. Carlo Ancelotti has had less than a year to settle in as Brazil's first foreign manager, while Morocco bring tournament experience and tactical discipline. Scotland are at a World Cup for the first time since 1998. Haiti reach the World Cup for just the second time ever.

Predicted finish: 1) Brazil 2) Morocco 3) Scotland 4) Haiti

Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye

Group D Predictions

Favorite: United States | Dark horse: Türkiye

The USMNT, under Mauricio Pochettino, have a forgiving group that all but guarantees passage if they execute. Türkiye qualified late but have Premier League-quality talent. Paraguay are physical and well-organized. Australia round out a balanced foursome.

Predicted finish: 1) United States 2) Türkiye 3) Paraguay 4) Australia

Group F: Sweden, Japan, Netherlands, Tunisia

Group F Predictions

Favorite: Netherlands | Dark horse: Japan

The Netherlands head Group F but Japan have built a side that beat Germany and Spain in 2022 — they're nobody's pushover. Sweden returned via the playoffs, and Tunisia are seeking a first-ever knockout stage appearance.

Predicted finish: 1) Netherlands 2) Japan 3) Sweden 4) Tunisia

Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand

Group G Predictions

Favorite: Belgium | Dark horse: Egypt

Belgium remain the clear class of the group, but Egypt — led by Mo Salah — have a real shot at second. Iran's situation enters the tournament with administrative uncertainty. New Zealand qualified through the weakest confederation pool.

Predicted finish: 1) Belgium 2) Egypt 3) Iran 4) New Zealand

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

Group H Predictions

Favorite: Spain | Dark horse: Uruguay

Spain enter as one of the joint tournament favorites at -450 to win the group. Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Rodri and a possession-based system that won Euro 2024 form the spine. Uruguay are dangerous but inconsistent. Cape Verde make their World Cup debut — a fairytale story.

Predicted finish: 1) Spain 2) Uruguay 3) Saudi Arabia 4) Cape Verde

Group I: France, Norway, Senegal, Iraq — The Group of Death

Group I Predictions

Favorite: France | Dark horse: Norway

This is the toughest group in the tournament. France (-235 to win the group) bring depth and Mbappé. Norway (+280) finally bring Erling Haaland to the world stage in his first ever World Cup. Senegal (+800) have Premier League muscle. Even Iraq could spring an upset on the wrong day.

Predicted finish: 1) France 2) Norway 3) Senegal 4) Iraq

Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan

Group J Predictions

Favorite: Argentina | Dark horse: Austria

The defending champions have arguably the friendliest path among the top seeds. Argentina are -300 to top the group; -10,000 to qualify. Austria are an underrated team with structure under Ralf Rangnick. Algeria carry surprise potential. Jordan are debutants.

Predicted finish: 1) Argentina 2) Austria 3) Algeria 4) Jordan

Group K: Portugal, Colombia, DR Congo, Uzbekistan

Group K Predictions

Favorite: Portugal | Dark horse: Colombia

If there's a heavyweight second-place battle hiding in plain sight, it's here. Portugal (-200) are favored, but Colombia (+275) made the 2024 Copa América final. DR Congo are back at a World Cup after 52 years. Uzbekistan make their first ever appearance.

Predicted finish: 1) Portugal 2) Colombia 3) DR Congo 4) Uzbekistan

Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

Group L Predictions

Favorite: England | Dark horse: Croatia

England (-335) face a 2018 semifinal rematch with Croatia (+400) on June 27 — one of the most anticipated group games of the tournament. Thomas Tuchel's England are stacked: Bellingham, Saka, Foden, Kane. Croatia are veteran-heavy but proven. Ghana are youthful and inexperienced. Panama complete the group.

Predicted finish: 1) England 2) Croatia 3) Ghana 4) Panama

Standout Group-Stage Matches to Watch

• June 11 - Mexico vs South Africa: Tournament opener at Estadio Azteca
• June 13 - Brazil vs Morocco: 2022 semifinalists meet a giant
• June 16 - France vs Senegal: Mbappé vs Premier League stars
• June 23 - England vs Ghana: Massive diaspora interest
• June 26 - Norway vs France: Haaland's biggest stage yet
• June 27 - England vs Croatia: 2018 semifinal rematch

Frequently Asked Questions

How many groups are in the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has 12 groups (A through L), with four teams in each group. This is an expansion from the eight-group format used at the 2022 tournament, made possible by the increase from 32 to 48 participating nations.

What is the group of death at the World Cup 2026?

Group I is widely considered the group of death. It contains France (FIFA #3), Norway (with Erling Haaland in his first World Cup), Senegal, and Iraq. Group H (Spain, Uruguay) and Group L (England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama) are also strong contenders.

Which teams are in Group A of the 2026 World Cup?

Group A contains Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, and Czechia. Mexico opens the tournament against South Africa at Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026.

Which group is the USA in for the 2026 World Cup?

The United States is in Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia, and Türkiye. The USMNT begin their tournament on June 12 at SoFi Stadium against Paraguay.

How do teams advance from the World Cup 2026 group stage?

The top two teams from each of the 12 groups automatically qualify for the Round of 32, plus the eight best third-placed teams. That brings 32 teams into the knockout stage. Tiebreakers are applied in order: points, goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head, fair play record, and drawing of lots.

When does the World Cup 2026 group stage start and end?

The group stage runs from June 11, 2026 through June 27, 2026. The Round of 32 begins immediately afterward.

Who are the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup?

Spain and France are the joint favorites, both with implied win probabilities around 16%. England, Argentina (defending champions), Brazil, and Portugal complete the top six. Norway is the most-discussed dark horse.

How many teams qualify from each group at the 2026 World Cup?

Up to three teams can qualify from each group. The top two go through automatically, and the eight best third-placed teams across all 12 groups also advance to the Round of 32.

Last updated May 3, 2026. Predictions reflect odds and form ahead of the tournament. Check our Group A through L deep-dive pages for tactical breakdowns and projected lineups.