KATHMANDU: FIFA has officially finalized the group stage lineup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with all 48 participating teams now placed into 12 groups.
The competition, set to feature 12 groups, reflects FIFA’s decision to increase participation from 32 to 48 teams, offering broader global representation and more competitive matchups.
According to the group distribution, traditional football powerhouses have been spread across the groups alongside emerging nations.
Group C features five-time champions Brazil alongside Morocco, Scotland and Haiti, while Group D includes hosts United States with Australia, Paraguay and Türkiye. European giants Germany headline Group E with Curacao, Côte d’Ivoire and Ecuador.
In Group F, the Netherlands will face Japan, Tunisia and Sweden, while Belgium leads Group G against Iran, Egypt and New Zealand. Spain is grouped with Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde in Group H.
Defending champions Argentina are placed in Group J with Austria, Algeria and Jordan. Meanwhile, France will compete in Group I alongside Senegal, Norway and Iraq.
England headlines Group L, where they will take on Croatia, Panama and Ghana, while Portugal leads Group K with Colombia, Uzbekistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Co-hosts Mexico are placed in Group A with South Korea, South Africa and the Czech Republic, while Canada leads Group B alongside Switzerland, Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The expanded format is expected to increase the total number of matches and provide more opportunities for nations across continents to compete on football’s biggest stage.
FIFA said the new structure aims to enhance inclusivity and global engagement, while maintaining competitiveness throughout the tournament.
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