2026 FIFA World Cup line-up finalised after dramatic play-offs

The 2026 FIFA World Cup line-up is now complete, following the dramatic conclusion of the final six play-off spots, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most exciting tournaments in recent memory.

The international play-offs, held in Mexico, produced two qualifiers: the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Iraq, who battled fiercely to secure their places.

Meanwhile, Europe delivered tense encounters, with several ties decided on penalties, ultimately sending Sweden, Turkiye, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Czechia through to the tournament.

With these results, all 12 groups for the 2026 World Cup are finalised, featuring a blend of established powers and emerging nations.

The 2026 World Cup groups

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia

Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland, Qatar

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti

Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye

Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curaçao

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Sweden

Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand

Group H: Spain, Cabo Verde, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia

Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway

Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Republic of the Congo

Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana

It is pertinent to mention that World Cup schedule has been fully revealed, featuring 104 matches from the group stages through to the final. 

The fixture list details every encounter, including the knockout rounds and the third-place play-off, providing fans with a complete roadmap of the tournament.

The tournament will kick off with a record 104 matches scheduled across an expanded format featuring 12 groups of four teams each. The action officially begins on June 11, 2026, when Mexico open the tournament against South Africa at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca.

The group stage will run until June 27, followed by the knockout rounds, culminating in the final on July 19, 2026.

Defending champions Argentina will begin their title defence on June 16, 2026, when they face Algeria in their opening Group J fixture in Kansas City.

The tournament, co-hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will be the first 48-team World Cup, offering a historic showcase of global football talent.

Fans around the world are now eagerly counting down the days to kick off, ready to witness high-stakes matches, unforgettable moments, and a new chapter in World Cup history.