2026 World Cup: analysis of all 12 groups

Mexico, the host nation, is the clear group favorite. Playing at home El Tri will have an enormous crowd advantage. Denmark (FIFA #21), who qualified through the UEFA playoffs by beating Czechia, is the main threat with Eriksen and Hojbjerg. South Korea (#23) rounds out the contenders. Key match: Mexico vs Denmark.

A tricky group with Italy (FIFA #9) who qualified through the playoffs by beating Bosnia. The Azzurri with Barella, Pellegrini and Raspadori will be hard to stop. Canada plays at home — Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David are in the form of their lives. Switzerland (#19) completes the fight for two spots. Key match: Italy vs Canada.

Brazil (#5) starts as favorite, but Morocco (#14) — 2022 semifinalists — will not be here just for the experience. This is the South America vs North Africa clash everyone has circled. Vinicius Jr. vs Hakimi could be the first-round duel of the tournament. Scotland will push for a historic qualification. Haiti proudly represents the Caribbean.

The United States (#11) play at home and Pulisic is more motivated than ever. But Türkiye (#26) and Australia (#24) are serious opponents. The Socceroos reached the quarterfinals in Qatar. Türkiye, with Real Madrid's Arda Güler, can surprise anyone. Paraguay will be the underdog. Decisive match: USA vs Türkiye.

Germany (#12), led by Musiala and Wirtz, should dominate this group. The battle for 2nd will be close between Ecuador (#34) and Côte d'Ivoire (#35) — two similarly matched teams. Côte d'Ivoire, 2023 Africa Cup winners, arrive with confidence. Curaçao plays their first World Cup. Match to watch: Côte d'Ivoire vs Ecuador.

Netherlands (#7) start as favorites but Japan (#18) and Poland (#28) — who qualified through playoffs by beating Sweden — will make it tough. Japan, quarterfinals in Qatar, is a serious threat. Poland with Lewandowski is always dangerous. Tunisia (#30) completes this competitive group. Key match: Netherlands vs Japan.

Belgium (#3) is the top seed and must take advantage of this accessible group to go deep. After the golden generation (Hazard, Lukaku), a new wave with De Bruyne, Openda and Doku arrives. Iran (#22) is a physical side that can surprise, as shown in 2022. Egypt with Mohamed Salah can turn everything upside down if the Pharaoh is in form. Key match: Belgium vs Iran.

Spain (#1 in the world) dominates this group on paper. Euro 2024 champions, Spain under Yamal and Morata start as clear favorites. But Uruguay (#17) with Darwin Núñez, Valverde and Bentancur will be a tough opponent. Saudi Arabia (#56) beat Argentina in Qatar — anything is possible. Cabo Verde plays their second World Cup. Must-watch: Spain vs Uruguay.

The most anticipated group! France (#2) vs Senegal (#20): world champions vs African champions. The clash between Mbappé and Sadio Mané will be one of the most-watched first-round matches. Norway, with Erling Haaland, can cause a surprise if the team clicks. Iraq proudly represents the Arab world. This group is a mini-World Cup in itself.

Argentina (#4), reigning world champions, arrives with a burning desire to defend their title. Messi will likely play his last World Cup. Austria (#25), often underrated, is a solid side with Sabitzer and Arnautović. Algeria (#52), with its France-based players, can surprise — France vs Algeria in the Round of 32 would be historic. Key match: Argentina vs Austria.

The true group of death! Portugal (#6) vs Colombia (#10): two world football giants in the same group. Bernardo Silva, Félix and Leão against James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz and Jhon Durán — the level is exceptional. One of these giants will exit in the first round. Jamaica (#47), who qualified through the intercontinental playoffs, will have their best World Cup ever. This will be the most spectacular group.

The 2018 rematch! England (#8) and Croatia (#13) meet again, 8 years after Croatia's famous semifinal win in Russia. Bellingham, Kane and Saka form the most talented attack in Three Lions history. Modric, at 40, will want one last dance on the world stage. Ghana, with Kudus, can upset. Historic match: England vs Croatia.