2026 FIFA World Cup Draw: USA Lands in Group D with Paraguay and Australia
2026 FIFA World Cup Draw: USA Lands in
Group D with Paraguay and Australia
The official draw for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup took place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., confirming all 48 teams across 12 groups for the largest tournament in FIFA history. Hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament will begin on June 11, 2026, with the opening match featuring Mexico against South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
USA Drawn in Group D
The United States will play in Group D, facing Paraguay, Australia, and the winner of UEFA Playoff C (Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo). Analysts see this group as balanced and favorable for the home team.
“It’s a good draw,” said U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter. “We respect our opponents, but the goal is simple — reach the knockout rounds.”
Full Group Draw Results
- Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, UEFA Playoff D Winner
- Group B: Canada, UEFA Playoff A Winner, Qatar, Switzerland
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
- Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, UEFA Playoff C Winner
- Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Côte D’Ivoire, Ecuador
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, UEFA Playoff B Winner
- Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
- Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia
- Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, Playoff 2 Winner
- Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
- Group K: Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia, FIFA 1 Winner
- Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
Potential "Group of Death"
While the expanded format was designed to balance competition, analysts have already labeled several groups as particularly tough. Group I (France, Senegal, Norway) and Group L (England, Croatia, Ghana) are widely seen as potential “Groups of Death.” Each includes at least three teams ranked in the FIFA top 30.
Group L could be especially difficult, featuring two recent finalists. England and Croatia are likely to battle for first place, while Ghana could play spoiler.
Host Cities and Schedule
The 2026 World Cup will be held in 16 cities across North America. The opening match takes place in Mexico City, while the final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026.
- United States: New York/New Jersey, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, Boston, Philadelphia
- Canada: Toronto, Vancouver
- Mexico: Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara
Argentina Begins Title Defense
Defending champions Argentina will start their campaign against Algeria in Group J. Lionel Messi, now 38, confirmed this will likely be his final World Cup. “We start again with hope and hunger,” Messi said. “The world will be watching.”
Underdog Nations: Haiti and Curaçao Make History
Haiti and Curaçao are among the biggest stories of the tournament. Haiti returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, while Curaçao becomes the smallest nation ever to qualify, with a population under 200,000.
“This is a dream for our people,” said Jocenlin Henry from Port-au-Prince. “Football brings hope and unity when we need it most.”
Event Highlights
The glamorous ceremony featured performances by Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, and Nicole Scherzinger. The night concluded with the Village People performing “Y.M.C.A.” as U.S. President Donald Trump was seen dancing along.
In a surprise moment, Trump received the first-ever “FIFA Peace Prize” from FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Trump called it “a tremendous honor” and declared, “The world is a safer place now.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026 FIFA World Cup begin?
It starts on June 11, 2026, with Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match at Estadio Azteca.
How many teams are competing?
A record 48 national teams will participate, divided into 12 groups of four.
Where will the final be played?
The final is scheduled at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026.