The final draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026, held on December 5, 2025, delivered a fascinating mix of powerhouse clashes, straightforward paths for top seeds, and at least two clear “Groups of Death”.
Whether you’re planning to analyze group dynamics, or capitalize on early World Cup 2026 odds, ibet brings you everything you need to know about the groups that were formed and who’s favored to win each of them.
What Are the World Cup 2026 Groups?
Here is a group-by-group breakdown of the results, odds to win each group and the narratives that will dominate the build-up to the tournament.
Group A: Mexico’s Favorable Path
- Teams: Mexico (Host), South Korea, South Africa, UEFA Playoff Winner D
- The Storyline: As a seeded host nation, Mexico has received a manageable draw. The primary battle will be for second place between South Korea and a resurgent South Africa. Mexico will be the clear favorite to top the group, playing all their group matches on home soil. The unknown UEFA playoff winner adds a wildcard with Denmark favored to win this spot, but this is a group Mexico is expected to win.
- ibet Odds to Win Group: Mexico (2.10), UEFA Playoff D (2.75), South Korea (5.00), South Africa (13.00)
Group B: A Tricky Test for Host Canada
- Teams: Canada (Host), Switzerland, Qatar, UEFA Playoff Winner A
- The Storyline: Co-host Canada faces a tougher road. Switzerland (ranked 17th) is the highest-ranked team in the group and the favorite to finish first. The match between Canada and Qatar presents an interesting narrative, pitting the 2026 host against the 2022 host. Canada will need to secure points against both Switzerland and a tough European playoff winner (which most likely be Italy) to feel confident about advancing from a very balanced group.
- ibet Odds to Win Group: UEFA Playoff A (2.00), Switzerland (2.25), Canada (7.40), Qatar (26.00)
Group C: Brazil’s Test Against the Atlas Lions
- Teams: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
- The Storyline: While Brazil is the clear group favorite, the main event here is their clash with Morocco. The Atlas Lions, who made a historic run to the semi-finals in 2022, are arguably the strongest team from Pot 2. This matchup will be a major test for both sides. Scotland brings grit and a passionate fanbase, making them a difficult third opponent, while Haiti rounds out the group as the clear underdog.
- ibet Odds to Win Group: Brazil (1.25), Morocco (4.20), Scotland (11.00), Haiti (50.00)
Group D: USA’s Dream Draw
- Teams: USA (Host), Australia, Paraguay, UEFA Playoff Winner C
- The Storyline: Of the three host nations, the USA received the most favorable draw. They avoided any top-tier opponents from Pot 2 and Pot 3. While Australia and Paraguay are organized and competitive, the USMNT will be strong favorites to top this group, especially with home-field advantage throughout. This draw significantly boosts their chances of a deep tournament run.
- ibet Odds to Win Group: USA (2.25), UEFA Playoff C (3.50), Paraguay (4.00), Australia (7.60)
Group E: Germany’s Road to Redemption
- Teams: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curacao
- The Storyline: After disappointing group stage exits in 2018 and 2022, Germany has been handed a straightforward path to the knockout rounds. They are the undeniable powerhouse in a group with talented but inconsistent opponents. The battle for second place between a strong South American side in Ecuador and the reigning African champions in Ivory Coast will be fierce.
- ibet Odds to Win Group: Germany (1.33), Ecuador (4.00), Ivory Coast (7.60), Curacao (50.00)
Group F: A Battle of Footballing Philosophies
- Teams: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, UEFA Playoff Winner B
- The Storyline: This group pits two of the world’s most technically proficient teams against each other: the Netherlands and Japan. Their match will be a tactical chess match. Tunisia is a defensively solid team that will look to disrupt the rhythm of the top two. This is a very balanced group where any of the top three teams could realistically advance.
- ibet Odds to Win Group: Netherlands (1.72), Japan (4.50), UEFA Playoff B (5.40), Tunisia (7.40)
Group G: Belgium’s Last Dance in a Potential Minefield
- Teams: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand
- The Storyline: Belgium’s “Golden Generation” enters what is likely its final tournament. While they are the top seed, they face two highly organized and motivated teams in Iran and Egypt. Both teams are capable of pulling off an upset, making this a potential banana-peel group for the Belgians if they are not at their best. New Zealand is the group’s minnow.
- ibet Odds to Win Group: Belgium (1.43), Egypt (4.00), Iran (6.60), New Zealand (21.00)
Group H: Spain’s to Lose
- Teams: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
- The Storyline: Spain, the world’s #1 ranked team should navigate this group with relative ease. The main intrigue comes from the second-place battle, where two-time World Cup winner Uruguay is the clear favorite. The match between Spain and Uruguay will be the group’s marquee fixture, but Spain’s depth and talent make them the team to beat.
- ibet Odds to Win Group: Spain (1.26), Uruguay (4.20), Saudi Arabia (19.00), Cape Verde (40.00)
Group I: The Haaland vs. Mbappé Group of Death
- Teams: France, Senegal, Norway, FIFA Playoff 2 Winner
- The Storyline: This is one of two clear “Groups of Death.” It features France, the 2018 champions and 2022 finalists, led by Kylian Mbappé. They are joined by Senegal, with stars like Sadio Mané. Rounding out the trio of giants is Norway, making their return after 28 years, led by the world’s most formidable striker, Erling Haaland. The clash between France and Norway is the most anticipated match of the entire group stage.
- ibet Odds to Win Group: France (1.44), Norway (3.75), Senegal (8.00), Fifa Play-Off 2 (35.00)
Group J: A Comfortable Start for Argentina
- Teams: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan
- The Storyline: Reigning champions Argentina have been given a very straightforward group in what will likely be Lionel Messi’s last World Cup. Austria is a solid European side and the main contender for second place. However, neither they nor Algeria or Jordan are expected to seriously challenge Argentina for the top spot.
- ibet Odds to Win Group: Argentina (1.40), Austria (5.00), Algeria (6.00), Jordan (35.00)
Group K: Ronaldo’s Test Against Tough Colombia
- Teams: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, FIFA Playoff 1 Winner
- The Storyline: Portugal, likely led by Cristiano Ronaldo in his record-breaking sixth World Cup, faces a significant challenge from Colombia. As one of the strongest teams in Pot 2, Colombia will make the fight for first place intensely competitive. Their head-to-head match will likely decide the group winner.
- ibet Odds to Win Group: Portugal (1.40), Colombia (3.50), Fifa Play-Off 1 (12.00), Uzbekistan (35.00)
Group L: The Heavyweight Group of Death
- Teams: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
- The Storyline: This is arguably the most difficult group in the tournament. It features a blockbuster European clash between England (ranked 4th) and Croatia (ranked 10th), two nations with a heated recent history in major tournaments. Adding to the difficulty is Ghana, one of Africa’s strongest and most talented squads, who are fully capable of beating either of the European giants. Panama is the clear underdog in a group full of sharks.
- ibet Odds to Win Group: England (1.28), Croatia (4.50), Ghana (11.00), Panama (50.00)
Key Tournament Dates to Remember
- Group Stage Begins: June 11, 2026
- Group Stage Ends: July 1, 2026
- Knockout Round of 32: June 28 – July 3, 2026
- Round of 16: July 4 – July 7, 2026
- Quarter-Finals: July 9 – July 11, 2026
- Semi-Finals: July 14 – July 15, 2026
- Third-Place Match: July 18, 2026
- Final: July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
The tournament spans over five weeks with a total of 104 matches (compared to 64 in the previous tournament), giving teams more group-stage matches and creating more opportunities for surprising results and comebacks.
For detailed analysis of group predictions, odds on group winners, and betting insights on the tournament favorites, explore our World Cup 2026 Betting Guide and our World Cup 2026 Odds Betting Preview. You can also visit ibet’s sportsbook to check out the latest WC 2026 odds available.
The World Cup 2026 Draw Pots & Seeding Explained
The draw used a ranking-based seeding system across four pots of 12 teams each. Teams are placed by FIFA World Ranking of qualified nations, with special positions reserved for the three host countries (Mexico, Canada, USA).
Six additional spots are held for playoff winners to be confirmed in March 2026. Knowing how the draw works will help you take advantage of the World Cup 2026 odds when there is still value.
Pot 1: Seeded Teams (12 teams)
Host Nations (Pre-assigned Group Positions):
- Mexico – Group A, Position 1
- Canada – Group B, Position 1
- USA – Group D, Position 1
Top 9 Ranked Qualified Nations:
- Spain (FIFA Rank 1)
- Argentina (FIFA Rank 2)
- France (FIFA Rank 3)
- England (FIFA Rank 4)
- Brazil
- Portugal
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- Germany
These are the tournament favorites and strongest teams based on FIFA World Ranking and recent international performance. The three hosts are automatically placed in Groups A, B, and D respectively, with the remaining nine Pot 1 teams distributed across Groups C, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, and L.
Pot 2: Second-Tier Teams (12 teams)
- Croatia
- Morocco
- Colombia
- Uruguay
- Switzerland
- Japan
- Senegal
- Iran
- South Korea
- Ecuador
- Austria
- Australia
These teams represent strong competitors with proven tournament experience but ranked slightly below the Pot 1 favorites. One Pot 2 team will be drawn into each group.
Pot 3: Mid-Ranked Qualified Nations (12 teams)
- Norway
- Panama
- Egypt
- Algeria
- Scotland
- Paraguay
- Tunisia
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Uzbekistan
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
Teams in this pot have qualified but are ranked lower in FIFA standings. Like Pots 1 and 2, exactly one Pot 3 team will be drawn into each group.
Pot 4: Lowest Ranked + Playoff Winners (12 teams)
Confirmed Teams:
- Jordan (historic first World Cup qualification)
- Cape Verde (historic first World Cup qualification)
- Ghana
- Curaçao
- Haiti
- New Zealand
Playoff Placeholder Spots:
- 4 UEFA playoff winners (to be determined March 26-31, 2026)
- 2 inter-confederation playoff winners (to be determined March 26-31, 2026)
Important Note: Italy, despite being ranked 12 globally, would enter Pot 4 if they qualify through the UEFA playoffs, as all playoff winners and, regardless of FIFA ranking, will be placed in Pot 4 for the group draw.
Also, don’t forget to check out our promotions page for special World Cup 2026 offers!
How the New 48-Team World Cup Draw Format Works
The World Cup 2026 introduces several new rules and dynamics to accommodate 48 teams and ensure competitive balance. Here’s how the draw works and what’s changed from previous tournaments.
Group Stage Structure
- 12 groups (Groups A through L) with 4 teams each
- One team from each pot in every group = 48 teams distributed evenly
Example: Group A will contain Mexico (Pot 1), one team from Pot 2, one team from Pot 3, and one team from Pot 4
This ensures balanced, competitive groups across the tournament.
Key Draw Rules
Confederation Restrictions:
- No more than 2 UEFA (European) teams per group – With 16 European teams across 12 groups, UEFA teams are spread to avoid cluster matchups
- No two teams from the same non-UEFA confederation in one group – For example, Brazil and Argentina cannot be grouped together; African nations are separated; Asian teams do not share groups
These rules ensure geographic and competitive diversity in each group.
Pre-Assigned Group Positions:
Unlike previous World Cups where teams drew random group positions, the 2026 draw features pre-determined group slots. Each group has fixed positions (1, 2, 3, 4), and teams from each pot fill specific positions. This ensures that:
- Position 1 teams play Position 4 first
- Position 2 teams play Position 3 first
- Match order is balanced across all groups
- Fairness is maintained (no team has a scheduling advantage)
The New Top-4 Separation Rule: World Cup 2026 Draw Innovation
FIFA has introduced a groundbreaking rule to separate the tournament’s top four seeds in the knockout bracket, preventing early blockbuster matchups:
- Spain (Rank 1) and Argentina (Rank 2) are placed in opposite halves of the knockout bracket
- France (Rank 3) and England (Rank 4) are placed in opposite halves of the knockout bracket
- Result: These four favorites cannot meet before the semi-finals, even if they win their groups
This system mirrors tennis-style seeding, where top seeds are separated to ensure fresh matchups and maximize the tournament’s competitive balance. The change means that if Spain, Argentina, France, and England all win their groups, they cannot face each other until the semi-finals—the earliest possible meeting point.
Why This Format Matters
The 48-team expansion with these new rules prioritizes:
- Competitive balance – Preventing early eliminations of major teams
- Tournament diversity – Ensuring varied group matchups and knockout pathways
- Global representation – Giving emerging nations realistic chances to progress
- Betting intrigue – Creating uncertainty in group outcomes and knockout predictions
How to Watch the World Cup 2026 Draw in Europe
The World Cup 2026 draw will be broadcast live across multiple platforms and channels throughout Europe. Here’s where to watch depending on your location:
Global Streaming (Available Everywhere)
The draw will be available worldwide on:
- FIFA+ – FIFA’s official streaming platform (free tier available)
- FIFA.com – Official live stream on FIFA’s website
- FIFA Official YouTube Channel – Free live broadcast globally
These platforms offer simultaneous coverage and are accessible across all European countries.
United Kingdom
- BBC Sport website – Live stream
- BBC iPlayer – Official streaming app (free with valid TV license)
- ITV – Shared broadcast rights (check local ITV schedule)
BBC Sport and iPlayer are your primary options for UK viewers; expect professional analysis and commentary throughout the draw.
Germany
- MagentaTV – Primary rights-holder with full coverage
- ARD (Das Erste) – National broadcaster with draw coverage
- ZDF – Secondary public broadcaster (check local schedule)
German viewers have multiple options; MagentaTV offers comprehensive pre-draw and post-draw analysis.
France
- TF1 – Primary rights-holder
- L’Équipe – Sports broadcaster with coverage
TF1 is the main channel; expect live coverage with French commentary.
Italy
- RAI – National free-to-air broadcaster (Italy’s primary FIFA rights-holder)
RAI will carry the draw live for Italian audiences.
Spain
- TVE (RTVE) – Spanish national broadcaster with FIFA rights
- La 1 – Primary channel for draw coverage
TVE/La 1 is your main viewing option in Spain.
Nordic Region
- Viaplay – Primary streaming platform across Nordic countries
- National PSBs (SVT in Sweden, NRK in Norway, DR/TV2 in Denmark, YLE in Finland) – May also carry coverage
Check your local broadcaster’s schedule; Viaplay is the primary sports streaming platform across the Nordics.
All Viewers: Check your local FIFA broadcast partner’s website for exact air times, as some channels may have slight scheduling variations.
What’s Dependent on Playoff Results
The match schedule is provisional until all 48 qualified teams are confirmed. Since four UEFA playoff winners and two inter-confederation playoff winners won’t be known until March 2026, FIFA releases a final schedule after the playoffs conclude.
World Cup 2026 Draw FAQs
What time does the World Cup 2026 draw start in the UK?
The draw begins at 17:00 GMT (5:00 PM UK time) on Friday, December 5, 2025. You can watch live on BBC Sport, BBC iPlayer, or FIFA+ with simultaneous coverage.
How can I watch the World Cup 2026 draw in Germany?
German viewers can watch on MagentaTV (primary rights-holder), ARD, or ZDF. All three platforms will carry the draw live. FIFA+ and YouTube also offer free global streaming.
What are the World Cup 2026 draw pots?
The draw uses four pots of 12 teams each, seeded by FIFA World Ranking. Pot 1 includes the host nations and top 9 ranked teams (Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany). Pots 2, 3, and 4 contain progressively lower-ranked teams, with Pot 4 including playoff winners to be confirmed in March.
How many teams are in each World Cup 2026 group?
Each of the 12 groups contains exactly 4 teams. One team is drawn from each pot into every group, ensuring balanced and competitive matchups across all groups.
What is the new top-4 separation rule in the 2026 World Cup draw?
FIFA has implemented a rule where Spain (1) and Argentina (2) are placed in opposite halves of the knockout bracket, as are France (3) and England (4). This means these four favorites cannot meet before the semi-finals, even if they win their groups. It’s similar to tennis seeding and creates more balanced knockout pathways.
Can two teams from the same confederation be drawn in the same group?
Yes, but only UEFA has a maximum of 2 teams per group. No other confederation can have 2 teams in the same group. For example, Brazil and Argentina cannot be grouped together; African nations, Asian teams, and CONCACAF teams are similarly separated.
When will the full World Cup 2026 match schedule be released?
A provisional schedule was published on December 6, 2025 (day after the draw), outlining all group-stage matches with estimated kick-off times. The final, confirmed schedule, including specific stadium assignments and updated times after playoff winners are confirmed, will be released after the UEFA and inter-confederation playoffs conclude in March 2026.
When does the World Cup 2026 group stage start?
The group stage kicks off on June 11, 2026, and runs through July 1, 2026. The knockout stage begins on June 28, 2026, with the final taking place on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
How many matches will there be in the World Cup 2026?
The 48-team format produces 104 total matches (compared to 64 in previous tournaments). This includes 72 group-stage matches and 32 knockout-stage matches, giving teams more opportunities to compete and create dramatic storylines.
Where can I bet on World Cup 2026 predictions after the draw?
Visit our World Cup 2026 Odds Betting Preview for current odds on tournament favorites, group winners, and detailed analysis of betting opportunities based on the draw groups. Check ibet for live odds on all World Cup 2026 betting markets.
All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and may have moved since the content was published. Betting markets shift constantly based on action and betting news. For the latest odds and current lines, visit the ibet Sportsbook.
