Spain and France were handed challenging 2026 World Cup groups, while England face a reunion with 2018 nemesis Croatia. Co-hosts Mexico, the USA and Canada all received competitive but manageable draw

With the World Cup draw taking place on Friday, December 5th, now is the time to start thinking about purchasing tickets to the 2026 World Cup if you plan on attending.

First, it’s an opening game against Erling Haaland's Norway, which won every qualifier on their way to the World Cup. After that, it’s the winner of Bolivia, Iraq or Suriname, ending with a game against Senegal, a country so deeply connected to the French, who also did well in qualifiers.

The Athletic's writers look ahead to the 2026 World Cup, after the 12 groups were drawn in Washington DC on Friday

The biggest sporting event in the world is coming to North America this summer, and we now know some of the teams that will be playing in New Jersey and Philadelphia. The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup took place in Washington D.

Follow live coverage as teams are drawn for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament will take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada next summer.

Spain is the early favorite to claim the 2026 FIFA World Cup title. See which other nations are also expected to contend, where Team USA ranks.