Which first-round group at the 2026 FIFA World Cup looks the most competitive?
First Round of FIFA 2026 World Cup Set: 12 Groups Kick Off Historic Tournament
The first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially set, with 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four for the expanded group stage. The tournament kicks off June 11, 2026, and features a new structure where 32 teams will advance to the knockout round — including the top two from each group and the eight best third-place teams. Several groups already stand out as particularly competitive, including Group D, which features the United States, Australia, Paraguay, and a European playoff team. Group A includes host nation Mexico alongside Italy, Egypt, and New Zealand, while Group H offers a star-powered lineup of Argentina, Algeria, Ukraine, and Canada. With the draw now complete, fans and analysts are buzzing with speculation over which groups will be the most exciting to watch — and which could deliver early upsets. The new format aims to increase global representation and bring new drama to the World Cup's first round.
Options
- Group A: Mexico, Italy, Egypt, New Zealand
- Group D: USA, Australia, Paraguay, Play-off winner
- Group F: Brazil, Norway, Japan, Cameroon
- Group H: Argentina, Algeria, Ukraine, Canada