What Do the Groups Look Like for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Kicking Off with Mexico vs. South Africa?

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to commence on 11 June 2026 at the iconic Azteca Stadium, with Mexico taking on South Africa in the tournament's opening match. This marks a significant milestone as the tournament expands to 48 teams for the first time, divided into 12 groups of four. Notably, the draw has arranged teams carefully to avoid placing two from the same confederation together, with the exception of UEFA. Among the competing nations, defending champions Argentina, five-time winners Brazil, and former champions Spain and England will all be vying for glory on the world stage.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The FIFA World Cup 2026 draw took place on 28 October 2023 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. This draw has established the group stage for the tournament, highlighting the matchups that will take place. As the excitement builds, teams are now aware of their first opponents and can begin focusing their preparations. The tournament will be hosted across three nations: the USA, Canada, and Mexico, bringing a unique flavour to the competition.

Key takeaways

• The tournament will feature 48 teams, up from the previous 32.
• Hosts Mexico will face South Africa in the opening match on 11 June 2026.
• Defending champions Argentina are in Group J with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.
• England is grouped with Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, creating what is being dubbed as the "Group of Death."
• Curacao, the smallest nation to qualify, will compete against Germany in Group E.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to the FIFA World Cup 2026 has been marked by several key milestones:

• 13 June 2018: FIFA announces the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams starting in 2026.
• 16 June 2018: The United bid of Canada, Mexico, and the USA is awarded the hosting rights.
• 28 October 2023: The draw for the tournament is held in Washington, D.C., revealing group compositions.
• 11 June 2026: The tournament kicks off with Mexico vs. South Africa.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has revealed the specific groups and matchups, generating excitement as teams prepare for their first games. This is the first time that the tournament will feature 48 teams, significantly altering the competitive landscape from previous editions.

What was already established

The decision to expand the tournament format from 32 to 48 teams was made in 2018, allowing for more nations to participate. The three-host model, involving the USA, Canada, and Mexico, was also confirmed to enhance the tournament experience.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As the tournament approaches, UK fans are likely to see increased demand for travel packages, merchandise, and viewing parties. Prices for flights and accommodation in the host cities may rise as the event date nears, especially for key matches involving popular teams like England and Argentina.

Businesses and jobs

The tournament may have positive effects on UK businesses, particularly those involved in tourism, hospitality, and merchandise sales. Local businesses that cater to football fans could see increased customer volumes as the tournament generates excitement and engagement.

Policy and regulation

As the tournament draws closer, UK sports authorities and businesses may need to align their policies with FIFA regulations, including those related to ticket sales and fan engagement. Additionally, the UK government may work with FIFA to ensure a smooth experience for travelling fans.

Numbers that matter

• 48: The total number of teams participating in the 2026 World Cup.
• 12: The number of groups formed in the tournament.
• 3: The number of host nations: USA, Canada, and Mexico.
• 4: The number of teams in each group.
• 11 June 2026: The date of the tournament's opening match.

Definitions and jargon buster

• FIFA: Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the international governing body for football.
• Group of Death: A term used to describe a group in a tournament that includes several strong teams, making advancement difficult.
• Debutants: Teams participating in the World Cup for the first time.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Teams will commence training camps and prepare their strategies based on the draw. Fans should consider planning travel arrangements to host cities as prices may escalate closer to the event.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the tournament approaches, more details regarding matches, schedules, and ticket availability will be announced. Fans should stay updated on any changes or additional information from FIFA and related authorities.

Signals to watch

• Updates on ticket sales and availability for matches.
• Performance of teams in the lead-up to the tournament, including friendlies and qualifiers.
• Travel advisories and arrangements for UK fans planning to attend the event.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about the teams and their preparations leading up to the tournament.
• Consider booking travel and accommodation well in advance.
• Engage with local fan clubs for events and gatherings.

Don’t

• Wait until the last minute to purchase tickets or travel packages.
• Assume that prices will remain stable as the tournament approaches.
• Overlook the importance of travel insurance when planning your trip.

Checklist

• Monitor updates from FIFA and local fan clubs.
• Check flight and hotel prices regularly.
• Plan your match viewing strategy (whether to attend in person or watch locally).
• Stay aware of entry requirements for the host countries.
• Engage with social media for real-time updates on the teams.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the draw has set the stage for the tournament, uncertainties remain regarding team performances, potential injuries, and geopolitical issues that could affect travel. Additionally, ticket sales and logistics may face challenges as the event date approaches, so fans should remain adaptable in their plans.

Bottom line

The FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be an exciting event, marking a new era in the tournament's history with an expanded format and diverse host nations. With the group stage now established, teams and fans alike are gearing up for a thrilling competition that could reshape the landscape of international football.

FAQs

When does the FIFA World Cup 2026 start?

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will begin on 11 June 2026, with Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match.

How many teams will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026?

A total of 48 teams will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026, divided into 12 groups of four teams each.

Where will the FIFA World Cup 2026 be held?

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted across three nations: the USA, Canada, and Mexico.