The “American Dream” is officially taking shape. Following a dramatic final night of European playoffs that saw giants like Italy and Denmark crash out, 47 of the 48 teams for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have secured their tickets.
From June 11 to July 19, the USA, Mexico, and Canada will host the largest World Cup in history. Only one spot remains, the winner of the Iraq vs. Bolivia intercontinental battle, to complete the 12-group grid.
The 12 Groups of Glory
The draw has placed the world’s best into 12 groups of four. Here is how the heavyweights and the “Cinderella” stories match up:
- Group 1: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czech Republic
- Group 2: Canada, Bosnia/Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
- Group 3: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
- Group 4: USA, Australia, Paraguay, Turkey
- Group 5: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
- Group 6: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
- Group 7: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
- Group 8: Spain, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Cape Verde
- Group 9: France, Senegal, Norway, (Bolivia or Iraq)
- Group 10: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
- Group 11: Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia, DR Congo
- Group 12: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
Key Tournament Dates
Mark your calendars! This 39-day football marathon will follow this high-stakes timeline:
- Group Stage: June 11 – June 27
- Round of 32: June 28 – July 3
- Round of 16: July 4 – July 7
- Quarter-finals: July 9 – July 11
- Semi-finals: July 14 – July 15
- Third-place Match: July 18
- Grand Final: July 19
Opening Match Highlights
The action kicks off in iconic style:
- June 11: Host nation Mexico faces South Africa at the legendary Estadio Azteca (22:00).
- June 12: Canada makes its debut in Toronto against the giant-killing Bosnia (22:00).
- June 13: The USA begins its campaign in Los Angeles against Paraguay (04:00).
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