Who Will Shine at 2026 World Cup? Full Group Stage Analysis & Picks

The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage has been finalized, and the opening fixtures in North America are now known to the fans. The United States, one of the co-hosts, will meet Paraguay for the first time at home in more than thirty years, while among the top matches is the one that pits Kylian Mbappé against Erling Haaland in France vs. Norway and England vs. Croatia, hence the 2018 semifinal rivalry re-enactment.

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, UEFA Playoff D

Mexico will enjoy the benefits of hosting and thus expected a favorable draw. Ranked 15th in the world, El Tri will face the African representatives (South Africa), the Asian ones (South Korea), and the winner of a European playoff (either Denmark, North Macedonia, Czech Republic, or Ireland). Zapopan will host the clash between Mexico and South Korea, which looks like the most important and potentially group leader deciding game. South Korea, who are Asian qualifiers unbeaten, and Denmark if they manage to secure the playoff spot are going to be the toughest rivals. Predicted order of finish: Mexico, South Korea, UEFA Playoff D, South Africa.

Group B: Canada, Qatar, Switzerland, UEFA Playoff A

Canada aims to win its first World Cup points in the match-ups with Switzerland, Qatar, and the UEFA playoff loser (Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales, or Bosnia). Switzerland, who have not lost any qualifying match, is a very strong opponent, and if Alphonso Davies is back from injury, it will be particularly difficult for him. The game between Canada and Switzerland is the most important one. Predicted order of finish: Switzerland, Canada, UEFA Playoff A, Qatar.

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Brazil is the main and obvious choice, with Morocco being the only one serious contender for a spot in the next round. Scotland and Haiti, both of them made long absences, have difficult starts. The match between Brazil and Morocco is the one that will get the audience and the players ready for the tournament. Predicted order of finish: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti.

Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, UEFA Playoff C

A beneficial draw for the U.S. with Paraguay, Australia, and a European playoff team (Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo) will help them immensely in their quest for the title. The first game in the group will take place at SoFi Stadium, and it is expected that the U.S. and Paraguay will battle for the top position in the group. If Türkiye gets through, then match-ups between Arda Güler and Christian Pulisic could be decisive for the group as well. Thus, the forecast is: USA, Paraguay, Australia, and the lost playoff team.

Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curaçao

With its young core and tactical clarity under Julian Nagelsmann, Germany leads a group with Ecuador, Ivory Coast, and Curaçao. The disciplined defense of Ecuador, together with the players from the highest European clubs, is a tough competition. The match between Germany and Ecuador is expected to be the most important one. Predicted finish: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curaçao.

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, UEFA Playoff B

The Netherlands, who have not lost in the qualifiers, are the favorites, and Japan and a playoff winner (Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, or Albania) are most likely to fight for the second place. Netherlands vs. Japan will be a significant confrontation since both sides possess technically gifted squads. There is a chance Tunisia might pull off an upset, but they still remain the underdog. Predicted finish: Netherlands, Japan, UEFA Playoff B, Tunisia.

Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

Belgium and Egypt are the likely teams to go through, however, predictions might be upset by Iran and New Zealand. Belgium vs. Egypt, featuring Kevin De Bruyne against Mohamed Salah, is the highlight of the tournament, showcasing the two top-class players, who are in the last stage of their international careers, and the battle of the stars of a younger generation. Predicted finish: Egypt, Belgium, Iran, New Zealand.

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

As the top team in the group, Spain enters the tournament with Uruguay being the main competitor. Lamine Yamal, the teenager Spain forward, might become a noticeable personality. The match between Spain and Uruguay will show who is the best of the group. So, the predicted finish is Spain, Uruguay, Cape Verde, and finally, Saudi Arabia.

Group I: FranceSenegal, Norway, IC Playoff 2

France will play Senegal in a historic rematch, with Norway, who have Erling Haaland on their side, possibly being the team that gets the next spot. The match between France and Norway will have everyone's attention because of the star striker duel with Kylian Mbappé. The predicted finish is France, Senegal, Norway, and a playoff team.

Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

The titleholders Argentina are quite solid, with especially Austria and Algeria being the competitors and the newcomers Jordan being the underdog. The match of Argentina vs. Austria will be the one to define the group, with Lionel Messi being there to narrate the story. Predicted finish: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan.

Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, IC Playoff 1

The two main teams in this group are Portugal and Colombia, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s last World Cup being the main plot. The match between Portugal and Colombia will probably determine who is on top, while Uzbekistan and the playoff team will struggle a lot. The predicted finish is Portugal, Colombia, playoff team, Uzbekistan.

Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

England is going to meet Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, which is a nice reference to the 2018 semifinal match. England and Croatia match is crucial but Ghana can be a threat to both the favorites. So, the predicted finish is England, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.