The draw is complete for the 2026 World Cup! What are the top matches to watch, and how will it all go down? We asked ESPN's writers to break down each group, highlight the storylines and make their predictions.
Ale Moreno thinks the USMNT have been handed a favourable draw with their opponents in World Cup Group D. ! With the conclusion of Friday's draw, we now know which teams will square off in the group stage of the tournament, and many tantalizing matchups are in store.
What are the top matches to watch, and how will it all go down? We asked ESPN's writers to break down each group, highlight the top storylines and make their predictions as the clock ticks down to next summer's big event.There's a tradition of World Cup hosts ending up with"gentle" draws, and while it doesn't always happen ,are probably grateful with what the Kennedy Center delivered. That's good news for Javier Aguirre's side given that confidence in-- despite being ranked 15th in the world -- has been waning of late. Friendlies are always a dubious bellwether of future performance, but not beating anyone since the, ranked No. 61 in the world, are coming off a qualifying campaign so lackadaisical they were actually docked points for fielding an ineligible player., 22nd in the FIFA rankings, sailed through Asian qualifying undefeated and, while not as gifted as previous squads, are a tough out and are probably co-favorites for second spot. The big conundrum, of course, is who comes through the European path. Denmark, 21st in the FIFA rankings, on paper look the most formidable and should have qualified directly, had it not been for their last-ditch meltdown againston home soil. If they win their opener -- as expected -- against South Africa, this is where their confidence swells, they lock up the group with a win and start making plans for the knockouts. On the other hand, if they screw up the opener -- lose, draw or even just play poorly -- and start slow against Korea, things could get very hairy very quickly. There's also a potential nice subplot of young vs. old center forwards looking to bounce back after iffy campaigns in the form of Santi Gimenez versusMexico, as in the country, more than the team. With all due respect to their northerly neighbors, this is a proper footballing country, steeped in footballing culture. Games here are just going to feel different than in the other two host nations. That can work for Mexico -- obviously, the fan support and familiarity play a role -- or it can work against Mexico if the pressure gets to be too much.Host nations used to never exit in the group stage -- 2010 and 2022 changed that. Surely that can't happen here, can it?Canada's wait to secure their first World Cup point should soon be over. Coach Jesse Marsch will not take anything for granted -- especially given four-time winners Italy could be their opening opponents on June 12 -- but Group B offers genuine hope of progress for the co-hosts. This is their third World Cup, and they have lost every single match at the previous two, including four years ago in Qatar. Yet they avoided some of the heavyweights in Pot 2 to land Switzerland, who are ranked 17th in the world by FIFA, a full 10 places above Canada. Qatar are ranked 51st, but that's largely built on their hosting of the last World Cup to qualify directly for this one, having beatenin October to top Group A of Asia's fourth-round playoffs. They are coached by Julen Lopetegui, whose previous job came atWhat Canada gain in home advantage, however, they lose slightly in a shortened preparation time for their final opponents. Along with Italy, they could play Northern Ireland, Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.The toughest test might come last for the co-hosts. Switzerland are unbeaten in qualifying, securing four wins and two draws from games against Kosovo,and Sweden. Swiss coach Murat Yakin is in charge for his third consecutive tournament having most recently lost on penalties toremains a talismanic figure despite turning 33 in September and they knocked out defending champions Italy at the last Euros. However, Canada have conceded just one goal in their six friendlies and Marsch can now use a planned bonus camp in January -- designed to get extra time with players based in either Major League Soccer or the Canadian Premier League -- to strategize success against what are, right now anyway, their most difficult opponents in Group B.recovering from his ACL injury and returning to his prior form. Davies is Canada's standout individual talent, but he underwent an operation in March after suffering the injury while on international duty againstHome support will obviously help, but Canada have to prove they belong at this level and having Davies fully fit and back to his optimum level will be a key factor. The 25-year-old was the first player ever to score for the Maple Leafs at a World Cup when netting againstCould Morocco beat Brazil in Group C at the World Cup? Sam Ogunleye and Ed Dove discuss the strength of Morocco's squad as well as the potential to defeat group favourites Brazil.: This is a group that Brazil should win, but Morocco are a dangerous second seed in this section, especially after their heroics at the 2022 World Cup when they became the first African nation to reach the semifinals. Carlo Ancelotti has been hired to win Brazil's sixth World Cup, though, and the former Real Madrid coach will be happy with a group that also contains Scotland and Haiti. Haiti are appearing in their first World Cup since 1974 and Scotland are back for the first time since 1998 and they meet in the first game, so the winner could take a huge leap toward making it to the knockout stages. Overall, this group will almost certainly be decided by the Brazil-Morocco clash. Morocco will believe they can pull off a shock, especially with Brazil under so much pressure to perform and win the World Cup for the first time since 2002.Dan Thomas is joined by Craig Burley, Shaka Hislop and others to bring you the latest highlights and debate the biggest storylines.This has a box office feel to it because Brazil will have to hit the ground running straight away to avoid an upset against the African side.be fit and available? -- then Ancelotti's side should make a winning start to the tournament. Make no mistake, though. Brazil would have much preferred to start off against Scotland or Haiti than a team as dangerous as Morocco.The Scots have qualified for eight previous World Cups, but they failed to reach the knockout stage on every occasion. Now, they are in a really tough group and will meet Brazil for the fifth time since the 1974 World Cup, when they held the then-world champions to a 0-0 draw. With third place potentially earning a qualifying spot, Scotland need to beat Haiti to have any hope of ending their long wait to escape the group stages.The top two look pretty set in stone, but Scotland will just edge out Haiti for the third spot and maybe a place in the knockout stages.If you're Mauricio Pochettino and the United States, you couldn't ask for a much better draw than this. That's not to say it'll be a walk in the park, but cast your eyes across some of the other groups and it becomes clear it could have been much worse. Put simply, they were drawn against the sixth-best team in CONMEBOL qualifying in Paraguay; an Australia side that lost 1-0 toin its quest to get here; and one of four teams that failed to come through the European gauntlet in their first try. You'd take that, right? It'll probably peeve the three confirmed teams that they can't start their preparation on the final opponent until March, as we don't yet know which one ofIf the qualifiers perform according to the respective talent levels of each team, we can expect to see Türkiye take up the last slot. That would certainly put the cat among the pigeons; they have stars likeIt's got to be that Group D opener, scheduled for June 12 at SoFi Stadium. A host's first game is always a tremendous, celebrated, but also highly pressurized, occasion -- and this will be no different. Paraguay conceded just 10 goals during qualifying -- level with This game has the opportunity to set the tone for the group, as it pits the strongest two teams that are confirmed to have made it against one another. Perhaps that picture will change once we know the identity of the fourth qualifier, but for now, this one is the headline event.If Türkiye make it to the World Cup, then Real Madrid's Güler will set up quite the date of destiny with fellow playmaker. These are two creative midfielders at the top of their game, playing for some of the world's most prestigious clubs, and both will feel immense responsibility to make the difference for their nations. Above all else, soccer was invented to entertain, and Group D has the potential to pit a handful of bona fide superstars against one another.With the identity of the fourth nation unknown, here are two"top and bottom" scenarios.Lebouef doesn't believe Germany belong with the World Cup favourites: This is a group with a strong, big-name favorite to qualify -- Germany -- two intriguing, easy to underrate teams in Ecuador and Ivory Coast, and a clear underdog in Curaçao. The 2014 winners Germany are looking to bounce back from their embarrassing group stage exits in 2018 and 2022. They've got a highly rated coach in Julian Nagelsmann, a clear playing style based on possession and pressing, and talented young players, although when they've come up against elite teams such as Ecuador excelled in qualifying, finishing ahead of giants Brazil, and have key players playing regularly for top European teams such asat PSG. Their strength is a rock-solid defense. Ivory Coast are back at the World Cup after a 12-year absence, and while this squad can't match that golden 2000s generation in terms of names, it looks to be a solid unit. As for Curaçao, they'll be expected to make up the numbers, but coach Dick Advocaat is vastly experienced, and they'll hope to pulling off the odd upset.Look at Ecuador's results against South America's biggest nations, Brazil and Argentina, in CONMEBOL qualifying: a 0-1 defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires and a 0-1 loss to Brazil in Curitiba, followed by a 0-0 draw with Brazil and then a 1-0 victory over Argentina in Guayaquil in September. Those matches were. Be prepared for more of the same here in what could be a frustrating, exhausting 90 minutes for the Germans against one of the best-organized, toughest back lines in world soccer.Their performances at the past two World Cups, after the success of 2014, were shockingly poor, but this is a new era. This Germany side is packed with talent, and if creative fulcrum, too -- the team will have reason to believe it can go deep in this tournament for the first time in 12 years.Can Tunisia cause an upset in Group F? Ed Dove discusses Tunisia's chances of progression from Group F as they face tough opponents Japan, The Netherlands and a UEFA play off winner.Of course, anything can happen at a World Cup, but it's hard to see anyone but the Netherlands topping this group. Ronald Koeman's side reached the quarterfinals in 2022, losing out only on penalties to eventual winners Argentina. It is a squad packed with talented players -- many of whom are in the Premier League -- and it went unbeaten in qualifying, winning six of eight games. That said, Japan are credible underdogs, having beaten Spain in the group stages in Qatar. They also became the first non-host nation to qualify for next summer's tournament back in March and have some players with gifted technique, including. It's tricky to see Tunisia making it to the knockout stages, however they did pull off a major upset in 2022, beating runners-up France in their final group stage game. It will be the seventh time they have competed at the finals, although they have never progressed past the group stage. The other four teams still competing to qualify have some quality, with Ukraine ranked the highest, so there is scope for interesting matchups.This is probably the tastiest matchup, with both teams likely believing they have a chance to win Group F. Both teams sit in the top 20 of the FIFA rankings, with several of the players involved currently performing in Europe's top leagues. It could be a competitive game, but the Netherlands' superior squad depth will see them come out on top.. Of course, that is dependent on Sweden reaching the finals, with their qualifying campaign so far having been pretty dismal. However, with former Chelsea boss Graham Potter now in charge, they will hope to see their fortunes change in the playoffs. It would certainly be interesting to see Van Dijk defending against a fit and firing Isak, who got the better of him on more than one occasion before he made the switch to Anfield in the summer.The Netherlands could be the sleepers of next summer's tournament and they should win the group comfortably, but Japan will cause problems for Koeman's side.Ed Dove discusses the influence Mo Salah could have on Egypt's World Cup ambitions as they are drawn against Belgium, Iran and New Zealand.This one is tough to call. On paper, Belgium and Egypt are the best teams in the group and should qualify. That said, both have shown in the past that they've got the ability to implode and that leaves the door open for Iran and New Zealand. After all, Belgium were drawn in a group with Morocco, Croatia and Canada in 2022 and finished third. New Zealand will be one of the lowest-ranked teams at the World Cup but have the ability to cause an upset. In 2010, they earned a 1-1 draw with holders Italy and were unlucky not to get out of their group. Iran should not be taken lightly either. They're ranked 20th in the world and came close to getting out of their group in Qatar in 2022 despite being drawn with England, United States and Wales. If nothing else, they will be hard to play against, and that makes them dangerous. Group G is one where the top seeds will expect to go through, but there could also be major shocks. Keep an eye on this one.and Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool were going head-to-head for the title year after year. De Bruyne is 34 while Salah is 33 and it could be the last time we see them both sharing a pitch on the world stage.'s talent is no secret, but this could be his breakthrough campaign. In and out of the Manchester City team for the past two years, he's now a regular for Pep Guardiola and was outstanding in the win over Liverpool last month. Guardiola believes that he's one of the best one-on-one wingers in the world and that he could have a massive impact at the World Cup for Belgium. He could be their most dangerous weapon as the golden generation of De Bruyne,This projects to be a tight group, with everyone earning at least a point but Egypt and Belgium going through.The start of the draw had Spain a bit scared. Starting by drawing Marcelo Bielsa and Uruguay was far from ideal, and while it seemed that this could be the toughest group at that point, it didn't end that way as the other two countries drawn were much kinder and should offer minimal threat. So, the focus will be on Spain and Uruguay and who will top the group. Both of them will qualify, but in which order? Bielsa has done good things with Uruguay, certainly at the start of his tenure. The past few months have been more difficult, especially after being humiliated by the U.S. during the latest international break. They have talent behind captainis convinced he will lead his team to win the whole tournament, and he will surely be happy with this draw. Cape Verde are a very interesting team. This is going to be their first World Cup, they were outstanding in their qualifiers, and they have some very good players including Paris-born defender. For Saudi Arabia, it is a big challenge for French coach Hervé Renard, who was already in charge in Qatar in 2022 and came back to try this time to qualify for the knockout stages.In terms of talent, the Spaniards are ahead, obviously, but the South Americans will make it a proper battle with intensity and physicality, which should unsettle the Spain machine. It is probably the only way to actually stop Yamal & Co., though that's easier said than done. Spain have shown for months that regardless to who they face, they have a great structure with the ball. They will needOf course, the big headline after this draw is on Kylian Mbappé vs. Erling Haaland in Group I, and without a doubt they will be two of the tournament's top stars. But this could well be Yamal's World Cup too. He will turn 19 halfway through it and if he can be fully fit, off the back of a great season withI truly believe this will be Lamine's World Cup. And if it is, the Ballon d'Or will follow.Julien Laurens reacts to the toughest of the World Cup groups, with France, Senegal, Norway and a playoff winner facing off in Group I.Those old enough to remember the 2002 World Cup will be immediately drawn to France's opening game next summer. The two-time winners will open their campaign against Senegal in a rematch of their first game from over 20 years ago when they were famously beaten 1-0 by the African side. Senegal went on to reach the quarterfinals that year and, along with Morocco, are perhaps the pick of the African sides heading into this tournament. All eyes will be on that fixture between France and Norway, a match that pits Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, two of the most clinical strikers in the world, against each other. Haaland scored a record-equaling 16 goals in UEFA qualifying to lead a talented generation of Norwegian players to their first finals since 1998. To put that into context, The final spot is yet to be decided, but whether it's Iraq, Suriname or Bolivia, the odds are going to be stacked against them to make it through to the last 16 in what looks like a really tricky group.Mbappé taking on Haaland will be the most eye-catching match, but with the talent France coach Didier Deschamps has at his disposal, Les Bleus should make it out of the group at a canter. That leaves Senegal and Norway fighting to go through with them -- and both could qualify, of course, given the new round of 32 awaiting the eight highest third-place teams in the 12 groups. Pape Thiaw's Senegal team presses aggressively, so it will be fascinating to see how it fares against a stacked Norway attack including Haaland,Ståle Solbakken's side swashbuckled its way through qualifying, winning all eight of its games, including two against Italy. During those matches, they registered a remarkable 37 goals, conceding just five. If that's a sign of what is to come, Norway could be a real threat next summer. We should find out if they will be pretty soon, too, with big early tests against France and Senegal.was their leading scorer in qualifying as they won eight of 10 games. They have plenty of creativity and boast of Luca Zidane among their goalkeeping options, but the jury's still out on manager Vladimir Petkovic. Austria are managed by Ralf Rangnick and will no doubt have a plan up their sleeves focused on relentless pressing. And then there's Jordan, one of the four teams making their World Cup debut, who are happy to sit in and let the opposition have the ball. So Argentina will take this. They'll head to the World Cup as one of the oldest teams, and we wait to see if one of the world's greatest ever players makes it. One of the benefits of being in Group J means the team that tops the group won't face another group winner until the quarterfinal stage.Austria's qualification was hardly straightforward as they nearly tripped up at the last, losing to Romania, and then facing a Cup final against Bosnia-Herzegovina for the top spot in the pool. They came through, but this is their first World Cup since 1998. Rangnick has his stamp all over this team, and it will press from the outset. So Argentina will be hurried and hustled, but you can expect them to come through. In terms of occasion, Argentina facing first-time World Cup participants Jordan will be one to remember, but in terms of quality -- Argentina-Austria will be a real test of Lionel Scaloni's team.If he makes it, this will be his last dance, and until the squads are named, the narrative around this group is whether Messi will play. Argentina manager Scaloni has remained diplomatic on the matter, saying before the draw Friday that"he will decide, and we will support whatever he decides." So either it will be all about Messi going for his second World Cup on the bounce, or it'll be Argentina in the post-Messi era. Either way, Messi will dominate the discourse.Portugal will have been slightly nervous watching Colombia being pulled out of Pot 2 because, at that point, Group K had the makings of being the hardest group. After seeing Uzbekistan drawn from Pot 3 and FIFA Playoff 1 drawn from Pot 4, they will be feeling far happier. Uzbekistan, ranked 55th in the world and managed by Italy legend Fabio Cannavaro, will be big underdogs against Portugal and Colombia. The addition of a playoff team gives the group an unknown quantity. Facing DR Congo is a very different prospect from playing New Caledonia, and the final member of the group won't be known until March. Really, though, there are no excuses for Portugal or Colombia. Both nations have world-class players in their ranks, such asWhatever happens, there will be plenty of eyeballs on Group K because of Cristiano Ronaldo. He has the ability to fill stadiums on his own, whoever he happens to be playing against.If the group goes the way it's supposed to, this will be the match deciding who finishes at the top and who has to settle for second. Neither nation is perhaps in the top category of potential winner, but both will believe that they can get through at least a couple of knockout games and that from there anything can happen. It will also be an early test of the conditions because there's an argument that the climate next summer will be better suited to South American sides such as Colombia rather than European sides like Portugal.It will surely be his last World Cup and one final chance to add the only trophy that's missing from a truly remarkable résumé. At 40 years old, he's still scoring for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia as he continues to head toward 1,000 goals for club and country, and he's still the go-to center forward for Portugal boss Roberto Martinez. Ronaldo's past two major tournaments have not gone well, but FIFA has played its part in giving him the best chance this time by cutting short his suspension for a red card in qualifying against the Republic of Ireland to ensure he will be available for Portugal's first game next summer.Onuoha: England will be well prepared to face Croatia Nedum Onuoha is unfazed by England being drawn with UEFA rivals Croatia in Group L at the 2026 World Cup.There are 2018 vibes to this draw for England, one of the top four seeds. They fired six past Panama then as they reached the semifinal, where their hopes of reaching a first final since lifting the trophy in 1966 were ended by Croatia in extra time. Thomas Tuchel's side will meet both of those nations again next summer. On paper, England are stronger than they were in Russia, when expectations weren't as high, and will be favorites to win this group given Croatia's golden generation has aged, even if Ghana's role in this group will be interesting. They are ranked 72nd in the world, but Otto Addo's side is better than that. Ghana are appearing in their second successive World Cup and are capable of causing problems for England and Croatia. There is perhaps a lack of goals, with 34-year-old strikerPanama will also be out to not just improve on their 2018 showing. Under Thomas Christiansen, they have become a possession-heavy side, but it might be difficult to execute that style against stronger opposition.Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that he wants England to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup under Thomas Tuchel.There is always something special about a team's first game at the World Cup finals, which makes England taking on Croatia the standout fixture in Group L. The two teams will lock horns June 17 with the Three Lions out to avenge that defeat in 2018. There have been three meetings since then, including in Euro 2020 at Wembley, but nothing matches the stage the World Cup provides. It will be Tuchel's first game in charge at a major tournament after replacing Gareth Southgate last year. That will increase the scrutiny on England to deliver a statement performance when they kick off against storied opposition.There is something about Croatia and the World Cup. They have finished in the top three in each of the past two finals. They were runners-up in 2018, losing to France in the final, and finished third last time out in Qatar. Some of their best players, such as Modric and, are now well into their 30s, but there remains talent in the squad. Manchester City's Joško Gvardiol and Bayern Munich's Josip Stanišić keep Zlatko Dalic's possession-based side tight at the back. Against the odds, will they be able to sprinkle magic on the World Cup once again?
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