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World Cup 2026: How Every Team Qualified, Favourites To Advance, And The Key Matches To Watch
As the world counts down to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, the expanded 48-team format has produced a group stage filled with compelling narratives, contrasting footballing cultures, and historic first-time qualifiers.
Here is a comprehensive look at how each team qualified, the favourites to progress from each group, and the standout fixtures to watch.
Group A: Mexico’s Homecoming and South Africa’s Return
How They Qualified
Mexico opens its home campaign in the iconic Estadio Azteca in a repeat of the 2010 opener against South Africa.
Under former forward Javier Aguirre, Mexico secured qualification and is targeting a deep run reminiscent of their 1986 quarter-final finish.
South Africa returns to the World Cup for the first time since hosting in 2010, qualifying above Nigeria and Benin despite losing a match to an administrative decision after fielding a suspended player.
South Korea, entering their 11th consecutive World Cup, breezed through qualifying under Hong Myung-bo, who famously led their 2002 semi-final run as a player.
The fourth spot in Group A will be filled by a UEFA playoff winner either the Czech Republic, Denmark, North Macedonia, or the Republic of Ireland.
Favourites and Matches to Watch
Mexico’s home advantage makes them slight favourites, but South Korea’s consistency and organisation make them a real threat. The opener, Mexico vs South Africa, brings emotional history and high stakes.
Group B: Canada’s Golden Era Meets Swiss Efficiency
How They Qualified
Canada arrives with arguably the greatest squad in their history, featuring stars Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies.
Their success could depend on whether Italy joins them via the UEFA playoff, which also includes Bosnia and Herzegovina, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
Switzerland, steady and dependable on major stages, is qualified and unbeaten and boasts veterans like Granit Xhaka and Ricardo Rodríguez, aiming for their fourth World Cup appearances. Host privileges helped Qatar progress after edging the UAE 2-1 with a squad entirely formed from their domestic league.
Favourites and Matches to Watch
Switzerland’s tournament pedigree makes it the group’s stabilising force, while Canada is the wildcard capable of upsetting established powers. A potential Canada vs Italy matchup would be a blockbuster.
Group C: Scotland’s Long-Awaited Return and Brazil’s Revival
How They Qualified
Scotland returns to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, aiming to finally break their streak of group-stage exits.
Haiti’s first appearance since 1974 comes with complicated circumstances, including limited fan travel due to U.S. visa restrictions.
Brazil endured a turbulent start to CONMEBOL qualifying before Carlo Ancelotti restored order and form. Morocco, semi-finalists in 2022, topped their African qualifying group with a perfect record and look like Africa’s strongest contenders.
Favourites and Matches to Watch
Brazil and Morocco headline this group with strong squads and experience. Scotland’s opener against Brazil mirrors their 1998 return, making it one of the more nostalgic fixtures.
Group D: USA and the Always-Tricky Paraguay
How They Qualified
The USA looked poor early in qualifying but revived under Mauricio Pochettino, culminating in a 5-1 hammering of Uruguay in friendly action. Paraguay, a defensively rigid side, maintained its streak of winning exactly one match in each of its last five World Cups.
Australia secured qualification with two massive late wins over Japan and Saudi Arabia in the AFC third round. The final team will be drawn from UEFA playoff C, Kosovo, Romania, Slovakia, or Turkey.
Favourites and Matches to Watch
The USA are slight favourites thanks to their momentum and attacking evolution. USA vs Paraguay will set the tone, with Australia likely fighting for the second qualification spot.
Group E: Germany’s Identity Crisis Meets Ecuador’s Defensive Wall
How They Qualified
Germany continues their transition under Julian Nagelsmann. Their shift to progressive football has brought attacking fluidity but also defensive instability.
Ecuador shocked South America by finishing second in CONMEBOL qualifying, conceding just five goals in 18 games thanks to the rock-solid Pacho–Hincapié partnership.
Côte d’Ivoire, restoration by Emerse Faé after winning the 2023 AFCON, qualified with 25 unanswered goals. Curaçao completes the group as the smallest nation ever to qualify.
Favourites and Matches to Watch
Germany remains the favourite by pedigree, but Ecuador and Côte d’Ivoire are capable of major upsets. Germany vs Ecuador is one of the most tactically intriguing fixtures of the group stage.
Group F: Dutch Consistency, Japanese Precision, and Tunisia’s Surprise
How They Qualified
Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands qualified unbeaten, with Memphis Depay thriving in the national setup. Japan, the standout Asian side, posted a stunning +51 goal difference across two qualifying rounds.
Tunisia advanced with near-flawless form, featuring 14 different goal scorers. The final spot may go to Sweden if they succeed in the UEFA playoff potentially setting up a nostalgic rematch of the iconic 1974 Cruyff Turn match.
Favourites and Matches to Watch
Japan vs the Netherlands promises fireworks between two fluid, technical teams. Tunisia’s discipline could make it a dark horse.
Group G: Belgium and Egypt Seek Redemption
How They Qualified
Belgium’s transitional squad under Rudi Garcia showed inconsistency, mixing high-scoring wins with sloppy defensive displays. Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah and backed by a superb defence, qualified unbeaten.
New Zealand, boosted by Oceania’s guaranteed slot, dominated their qualifiers but remains the lowest-ranked qualified team. Iran qualified despite political complications and now faces logistical challenges due to U.S. travel restrictions.
Favourites and Matches to Watch
Belgium and Egypt should top the group, but Egypt’s defence might give them the edge. Belgium vs Egypt is a heavyweight contest between fading golden generations.
Group H: Spain’s Renaissance and Uruguay’s Turmoil
How They Qualified
European champions Spain arrive as FIFA’s No. 1-ranked team, playing modern, dynamic football under Luis de la Fuente. Uruguay began well under Marcelo Bielsa but has slumped, with reports of dressing room discord following a 5-1 loss to the USA.
Cape Verde’s rise continues as they eliminated Cameroon to qualify. Saudi Arabia, back under Hervé Renard, escaped through the AFC fourth-round repechage held conveniently in Jeddah.
Favourites and Matches to Watch
Spain dominate as clear favourites. Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia could decide second place in a volatile group.
Group I: Mbappé vs Haaland The Headline of the Group Stage
How They Qualified
France remains stacked with world-class talent but appears tactically constrained under Didier Deschamps. Norway, powered by Haaland, qualified with 37 goals in eight games, the highest scoring record in Europe.
Senegal brings balance and quality under Pape Thiaw, while the final slot will go to Bolivia, Suriname, or Iraq.
Favourites and Matches to Watch
France and Norway are obvious contenders, but Senegal’s midfield dominance makes them dangerous. France vs Norway is the standout match of the entire group phase.
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, and Jordan
How They Qualified
Argentina, reigning world champions, topped CONMEBOL qualifying despite questions about Messi’s future role. Algeria under Vladimir Petkovic offers expansive football, while Austria remains one of Europe’s most exciting sides, driven by a dynamic midfield.
Jordan qualified with a tactical 3-4-3 shape that excelled away from home.
Favourites and Matches to Watch
Argentina is expected to top the group, with Austria vs Algeria serving as one of the most balanced and entertaining fixtures.
Group K: Portugal’s Ronaldo Dilemma and Asia’s Rising Force
How They Qualified
Portugal faces an internal debate: Cristiano Ronaldo remains the face of the team, but his limited mobility has slowed their attacking play. DR Congo must win their playoff to join the group.
Uzbekistan arrives as Asia’s most underrated side, while Colombia brings flair through James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz.
Favourites and Matches to Watch
Portugal are favourites on paper, but Uzbekistan vs Colombia may be the most unpredictable fixture of Group K.
Group L: England’s Ambition and Croatia’s Consistency
How They Qualified
England qualified flawlessly under Thomas Tuchel, not conceding a single goal and boasting unprecedented creative depth. Croatia, guided by Zlatko Dalic, remains one of the most tactically disciplined teams in world football.
Ghana bounced back from AFCON failure with an excellent qualifying run, while Panama enters their second World Cup after an unbeaten Concacaf campaign.
Favourites and Matches to Watch
England and Croatia lead the group, but Ghana’s explosive attacking talent makes them capable of a surprise. England vs Croatia is a modern rivalry renewed.
