The countdown to the first 48-team FIFA World Cup officially began on Friday night in Washington, D.C., as football heavyweights discovered their group-stage opponents for the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The ceremony — packed with global sports icons and entertainment stars — also saw former U.S. President Donald Trump honoured with FIFA’s newly introduced Peace Prize, a moment that dominated the evening’s spotlight.
Argentina, Spain handed smoother paths
Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will kick off their campaign in Group J against Algeria, Austria, and World Cup debutants Jordan — a draw many analysts already consider manageable.
European champions Spain were also given a relatively straightforward test. They open their run in Group H against Cape Verde, with Saudi Arabia and Uruguay completing the pool.
England, coached by Thomas Tuchel, were handed a competitive Group L that includes Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, while France received a more challenging set of opponents: Senegal, Norway starring Erling Haaland, and a yet-to-be confirmed play-off qualifier.
Stars, music, and spectacle
The event took place inside the Kennedy Center as winter storms hovered outside. Hosts Heidi Klum and comedian Kevin Hart led the proceedings, accompanied by performances from Robbie Williams, Andrea Bocelli, and the Village People.
Sports legends such as Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, and Wayne Gretzky helped conduct the draw, adding star power to a ceremony watched worldwide.
World leaders present
In addition to Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum attended the draw, reinforcing the tri-nation partnership behind the tournament.
Accepting his award, Trump praised FIFA president Gianni Infantino and described the U.S. as “the hottest country anywhere in the world,” adding that preparations for the event had showcased “excellent cooperation” among the host nations.
A record-breaking tournament ahead
The 2026 edition will be the largest World Cup ever staged:
48 teams (up from 32)
104 matches across 16 cities
Majority of fixtures in the U.S., with the final scheduled for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey
Two venues in Canada and three in Mexico
“This will be the biggest event humanity has ever experienced,” Infantino declared. “Think of it as 104 Super Bowls compressed into a single month.”
The top two teams from each group — plus the eight strongest third-placed teams — will advance to the last 32 knockout round.
Six qualifying slots still open
The last remaining teams will be decided in March playoffs. Full match schedules and kick-off times will be released by FIFA shortly after.
FULL LIST: 2026 WORLD CUP GROUPS
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Qualifier
Group B: Canada, Qualifier, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Qualifier
Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Qualifier, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, Qualifier, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, Qualifier, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
