2026 World Cup draw sets stage for challenging French campaign
The official draw for the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup took place in Washington on Friday, mapping out the group stage. Defending champions Argentina landed a manageable Group J with Algeria, Jordan, and Austria.
France, however, faces a perilous path in Group I, drawn against Senegal, Norway, and the playoff winner between Bolivia, Suriname, or Iraq—arguably one of the tournament’s toughest pools.
Other favorites received kinder fates. Spain will meet Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay, while Germany faces Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ecuador.
host nations also benefited: The United States plays Paraguay, Australia, and a European playoff winner; Mexico opens against South Africa and South Korea; Canada meets Switzerland, Qatar, and another playoff side.
In other notable groups, England clashes with Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, while Morocco must tackle Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. The tournament kicks off in North America in the summer of 2026.
