Defending champions Argentina will be pleased with their path to the knockout stages after securing a favourable group in the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The South American giants were placed in Group J, where they will face Algeria, Jordan and Austria — a line-up that positions the team led by Lionel Messi as clear favourites to advance from the expanded tournament’s first round.
Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz, meanwhile, learned what awaits them should they successfully navigate the Inter-Confederation Playoffs. A victory over New Caledonia on March 26 and the Democratic Republic of Congo on March 31 would place the Boyz in Group K alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
Elsewhere in the draw, co-hosts Mexico headline Group A, where they will face South Africa, Korea Republic and the winner of the UEFA Playoff Group A showdown. Joint host nation Canada anchors Group B with Qatar, Switzerland and the winner of the UEFA Playoff Group B qualifier.
Concacaf representation is spread across several groups. Haiti will battle five-time world champions Brazil, Morocco and Scotland in a challenging Group C, while the United States — co-host and perennial regional powerhouse — are placed in Group D with Paraguay, Australia and the Group C European playoff winner. Curacao, making a historic appearance, will contest Group E against four-time winners Germany, Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
Panama, another regional qualifier, enters Group L, where they will face England, Croatia and Ghana.
Former finalists the Netherlands headline Group F, joined by Japan, Tunisia and the UEFA Playoff Group B winner. Belgium lead Group G with Egypt, Iran and New Zealand in pursuit, while Group H features 2010 champions Spain alongside Cabo Verde, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Two-time world champions France top Group I and will meet Senegal, Norway and the winner of the second Inter-Confederation Playoff.
The 2026 World Cup will be the largest edition in the tournament’s history, with 104 matches to be played across 16 host cities. The top two teams in each group, along with the eight best third-place finishers, will advance to the round of 32.
The final is scheduled for July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
