The opening beats of the 2026 World Cup were struck at the Kennedy Centre as the world watched the World Cup group stage draw, unveiling the groups for the biggest tournament in sporting history.

It was a powerful show of unity among the three host nations. U.S. President Donald Trump—who received the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize—stood on stage with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino to officially welcome the footballing world to North America.

While American sports icons like Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Wayne Gretzky, and Aaron Judge assisted with the draw, the footballing world was well-represented by its own titans. Former England captain Rio Ferdinand took centre stage to conduct the draw itself, while two-time World Cup winner Carli Lloyd and legendary manager Arsene Wenger were among the football royalty watching on from the audience. 

From heavyweight collisions to revenge missions, the 2026 group stage promises pure box office entertainment. The night was a mix of sports, politics, and celebration to kick off the countdown to next summer’s biggest sporting event.

Key Groups To Watch Out For

Clash of the Titans (Group I)

Starring: Kylian Mbappé vs. Erling Haaland 

Forget the “Group of Death”—this is the “Group of Superstars.” The draw has delivered the ultimate cinematic showdown in Group I.

• The Matchup: It is the battle for the throne. France’s Kylian Mbappé against Norway’s Erling Haaland will lock horns at the biggest stage of the world. 
• The Plot Twist: This won’t just be a two-team show in Group I as Senegal, the Lions of Teranga and Africa’s perennial powerhouse, is ready to spoil the party for either of the giants. With a Play-off Winner rounding out the quartet, Group I is a gauntlet where even giants could fall.

DEFENDING THE FORTRESS: The Hosts

The three host nations have avoided the titans, but their scripts are far from simple.

• Mexico (Group A): The curtain raiser. El Tri kicks off the tournament at the legendary Azteca, navigating a tricky path against South Africa, South Korea, and a European Play-off Winner UEFA D (Denmark, North Macedonia, Czechia, and the Republic of Ireland).
• Canada (Group B): The Maple Leafs will face a test of precision against the Swiss precision in Switzerland, Asian champions Qatar, Play-off Winner UEFA A (Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina).
• USA (Group D): On home soil, the Stars and Stripes must handle the pressure against South American grit (Paraguay), the Socceroos (Australia), and a Play-off Winner UEFA C (Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia and Kosovo​).

LEGACIES & VENDETTAS: The Heavyweights

• England’s Revenge Tour (Group L): Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions have been handed a script fueled by history. They face Croatia in a spicy rematch of the 2018 semi-final, alongside Ghana and Panama.
• The King’s Defence (Group J): Lionel Messi and Argentina begin their title defence in a group that looks comfortable for them on paper—Austria, Algeria, and Jordan—but the champions will have a target on their backs.
• The Final Act? (Group K): Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal will navigate a path against Colombia, Uzbekistan, and the International Play-off Winner 1 (New Caledonia, Jamaica and DR Congo).

THE FULL LIST OF GROUPS (Groups A-L)

• Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, UEFA  Play-off Winner D (Denmark, North Macedonia, Czechia, and the Republic of Ireland).
• Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, UEFA Play-off Winner A (Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina).
• Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland.
• Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, UEFA Play-off Winner C (Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia and Kosovo​).
• Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curacao.
• Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, UEFA Play-off Winner B (Ukraine, Sweden, Poland and Albania).
• Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand.
• Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde.
• Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, International Play-off Winner 2 (Bolivia, Suriname, Iraq).
• Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan.
• Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, International; Play-off Winner 1 (New Caledonia, Jamaica and DR Congo).
• Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama.

FINAL THOUGHTS 

The cast is set. The locations are confirmed. Tomorrow, FIFA drops the specific showtimes (match schedule and venues).