Today, FIFA announced the draws for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which notably does not include Nigeria, after losing to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the playoffs stage.
In the draw, England will kick off their World Cup 2026 journey against Croatia, while Scotland will compete against Brazil in the tournament next summer.
Under the management of Thomas Tuchel, England will start their campaign in Dallas or Toronto on Wednesday, June 17, and will also face Ghana and Panama in Group L.
Scotland, participating in the men’s World Cup for the first time in 28 years, will play Haiti on Saturday, June 13, in Boston or New York, followed by matches against Morocco and Brazil in Group C.
Wales or Northern Ireland could join Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland in Group B if they succeed in two rounds of UEFA playoff matches in March.
The Republic of Ireland may face Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea if they qualify.
The inaugural 48-team World Cup is set to take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Complete World Cup 2026 Draw include:
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Winner of UEFA Playoff D, Group B: Canada, Winner of UEFA Playoff A*, Qatar, Switzerland, Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.
However, Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Winner of UEFA Playoff C, Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador.
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Winner of UEFA Playoff B*, Tunisia, Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand,
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Group I: France, Senegal, Winner of FIFA Playoff 2, Norway, Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan, Group K: Portugal, Winner of FIFA Playoff 1*, Uzbekistan, Colombia.
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama.
Meanwhile, UEFA Playoff A includes Italy, Wales, Bosnia-Herzegovina, or Northern Ireland.
UEFA Playoff B: Ukraine, Poland, Albania, or Sweden,
UEFA Playoff C: Turkey, Slovakia, Kosovo, or Romania, UEFA Playoff D: Denmark, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, or North Macedonia, FIFA Playoff 1: DR Congo, Jamaica, or New Caledonia.
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FIFA Playoff 2: Iraq, Bolivia, or Suriname.
The specific dates and venues for each match will be determined in a separate draw on Saturday at 17:00 GMT, though some details are already known.
After their opening match against Croatia, England will play Ghana on Tuesday, June 23, in Toronto or Boston, followed by their final group game against Panama on Saturday, June 27, in Philadelphia or New York.
Scotland will face Morocco on Friday, June 19, in Boston or Philadelphia, and their match against Brazil is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, in Atlanta or Miami.
The tournament will kick off with Mexico facing South Africa at Estadio Azteca, marking the beginning of an expanded event featuring 104 matches across 16 cities.
In a significant change to the draw, the top four teams in the FIFA world rankings—Spain, Argentina, France, and England—have been awarded.
