2026 FIFA World Cup groups – Photo Credit: FIFA
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: 
The FIFA World Cup 2026 draw has been completed, and the groups are now set, marking the beginning of the countdown to the biggest football spectacle in history.
A Ceremony of Grandeur
The draw took place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., with FIFA President Gianni Infantino declaring it “the greatest World Cup ever, the greatest event mankind will ever see.” The event featured performances by Andrea Bocelli and appearances from global icons including Kevin Hart, Heidi Klum, Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, and Wayne Gretzky.
Groups Revealed
The expanded format sees 48 nations divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-place finishers advancing to the Round of 32.
Group A: Mexico · South Africa · Korea Republic · FIFA Winner Play‑Off D
Group B: Canada · FIFA Winner Play‑Off A · Qatar · Switzerland
Group C: Brazil · Morocco · Haiti · Scotland
Group D: USA · Paraguay · Australia · FIFA Winner Play‑Off C
Group E: Germany · Curaçao · Côte d’Ivoire · Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands · Japan · FIFA Winner Play‑Off B · Tunisia
Group G: Belgium · Egypt · IR Iran · New Zealand
Group H: Spain · Cabo Verde · Saudi Arabia · Uruguay
Group I: France · Senegal · FIFA Winner Play‑Off 2 · Norway
Group J: Argentina · Algeria · Austria · Jordan
Group K: Portugal · FIFA Winner Play‑Off 1 · Uzbekistan · Colombia
Group L: England · Croatia · Ghana · Panama
CONCACAF’s Path
The three host nations—Mexico, Canada, and the United States—carry the hopes of the region, joined by fellow CONCACAF qualifiers Haiti, Curaçao, and Panama.
- Mexico open the tournament in Mexico City against South Africa, a match expected to ignite the home crowd.
- Canada face Switzerland in Group B, with a playoff winner and Qatar rounding out the group.
- USA are drawn in Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia, and a European playoff winner, a draw considered favourable.
- Haiti, back in the World Cup for the first time since 1974, meet Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland in Group C.
- Curaçao, debuting on the global stage, face Germany, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ecuador in Group E.
- Panama, returning after their 2018 appearance, must battle England, Croatia, and Ghana in Group L—the so‑called “Group of Death.”
For CONCACAF, the draw offers both opportunity and daunting challenges, with regional pride at stake across every group.
Groups of Death
- Group L (England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama) has already been dubbed the “Group of Death”, with three strong contenders battling for knockout spots.
- Group I (France, Senegal, Norway, plus a playoff winner) also promise high drama, featuring reigning champions and African powerhouses.
Opening Match & Tournament Overview
- Opening Match: Mexico v South Africa in Mexico City on 11 June 2026.
- Tournament Dates: 11 June – 19 July 2026.
- Format: 104 matches across three host nations—Mexico, Canada, and the USA.
Debut Dreams and Legacy Battles
- Debutants: Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan make their first‑ever World Cup appearances.
- Defending Champions: Argentina, led by Lionel Messi at age 39, begin their campaign in Group J.
- Regional Pride: Haiti’s qualification, their first since 1974, sparks celebrations across the Caribbean.
The Road to 2026 Begins
With the groups now decided, anticipation builds for a tournament that promises drama, debut dreams, and historic battles. From Mexico’s opening clash to England’s fight in the “Group of Death,” the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the largest and most inclusive football festival ever staged.
The post World Cup 2026 Draw: Groups officially decided for historic tournament appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
2026 FIFA World Cup groups – Photo Credit: FIFA By Rubén Morales Iglesias: 🌍 The FIFA World Cup 2026 draw has been completed, and the groups are now set, marking the beginning of the countdown to the biggest football spectacle in history. 🎤 A Ceremony of Grandeur The draw took place at the Kennedy Center
The post World Cup 2026 Draw: Groups officially decided for historic tournament appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
