48 nations drawn into 12 groups of four. The top 2 from each group advance, plus the 8 best third-place finishers — 32 teams total entering the knockout rounds.
The official draw took place in Miami in December 2025. Host nations USA, Canada, and Mexico were placed in separate groups and seeded to ensure they play at least some group-stage matches in their home country.
Win = 3 points · Draw = 1 point · Loss = 0 points. Teams are ranked first by total points, then by goal difference (goals scored minus goals conceded), then by total goals scored.
Top 2 from each of 12 groups = 24 teams advance automatically. The 8 best third-place finishers (selected by points, then goal difference across all groups) round out the 32-team knockout bracket.
Groups are listed as drawn. FIFA seeded teams to spread strength across groups and keep host nations in their preferred venues.
The full official draw was confirmed in December 2025. Some group assignments shown here reflect the confirmed draw; group and schedule information is current as of April 2026. Check the official FIFA website for the most up-to-date bracket and any late changes.
Not all groups are created equal — here are the ones with the most drama.
The defending World Cup champion (Argentina) and one of the pre-tournament favourites (France) in the same group. At least one of the world's best teams goes home after three matches. This group was immediately dubbed "the group of death" — a term for a group so strong that even top teams can be eliminated.
Two perennial World Cup contenders collide in the group stage. England have never won the World Cup outside their home country; the Netherlands were finalists in 2010 and 2022. Their head-to-head match is must-watch television.
The USMNT has a manageable group — Panama, Benin, and Greece. Advancing out of the group is the minimum expectation. A home crowd of 70,000+ will be behind them in every group-stage match.
The two most successful Asian nations share a group — and both could realistically advance. Their direct match will be watched by hundreds of millions across East Asia and the large Korean and Japanese diaspora in America.