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Expanded World Cup kicks off with historic 48-team format
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark the first time the tournament features 48 teams, up from 32, with 104 matches scheduled across Canada, Mexico, and the United States between June 11 and July 19.
England and Scotland learn group-stage opponents
England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, will open their campaign against Croatia on June 17 in either Dallas or Toronto. The Three Lions will also face Ghana and Panama in Group L, with subsequent matches in Toronto or Boston (June 23) and Philadelphia or New York (June 27).
Scotland, returning to the men's World Cup for the first time since 1998, will play Haiti on June 13 in Boston or New York, followed by matches against Morocco (June 19) and Brazil (June 24) in Group C. Their fixtures will take place in Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, or Miami.
Other notable group-stage matchups
Mexico will face South Africa in the tournament's opening match at Estadio Azteca. Wales or Northern Ireland could join Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland in Group B if they advance through UEFA playoff rounds in March. The Republic of Ireland may encounter Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea if they qualify.
Special seeding and knockout-stage implications
FIFA's top-four ranked nations-Spain, Argentina, France, and England-have been granted special seeding to avoid meeting until the semi-finals, provided they win their groups. England, runners-up at Euro 2024, could face the winner of Brazil's group in the quarter-finals.
Scotland, drawn from Pot 3, will contend with Brazil (FIFA's fifth-ranked team) and Morocco as they aim to advance past the group stage. The tournament will feature 12 groups of four teams, with the top two from each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, progressing to the knockout rounds.
Reactions from coaches and officials
"Difficult group, difficult opener. Croatia and Ghana are two regulars in World Cups and two proud, strong nations. Panama is an unknown for now, but we'll study them before the tournament. We approach this with the biggest respect and full focus on winning the group."
Thomas Tuchel, England head coach
Tuchel acknowledged Croatia as the standout opponent but emphasized the need to respect all teams. England memorably lost to Croatia in the 2018 semi-finals and defeated Panama 6-1 in the group stage of that tournament.
"The draw is fantastic. No European teams-we're playing three top sides from three different continents, and that's what the World Cup is about. We'll bring a little bit of magic, hopefully."
Steve Clarke, Scotland head coach
Clarke expressed enthusiasm about facing Brazil, recalling Scotland's 1998 World Cup group, which also included Brazil and Morocco.
Ceremony highlights and new FIFA Peace Prize
The draw ceremony, held in Washington D.C., lasted over two hours and featured performances by Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, and Lauryn Hill. Former England defender Rio Ferdinand co-conducted the draw alongside American sports icons Tom Brady, Aaron Judge, Shaquille O'Neal, and Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky.
US President Donald Trump was awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, introduced to honor individuals promoting peace and unity. Trump received a trophy, medal, and certificate from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, calling the award "one of the great honors of my life."
Infantino described the 2026 tournament as "104 Super Bowls in one month" for American audiences. Co-hosts Mexico, Canada, and the United States were assigned predetermined group positions to ensure all their matches are played domestically.
Next steps for teams
Exact venues and kickoff times for each match will be confirmed in a separate draw on December 6 at 17:00 GMT. European playoff matches in March will determine the final qualifiers for Groups B and others, with paths including teams like Italy, Wales, Ukraine, and the Republic of Ireland.
