2026 World Cup groups

Discover all the confirmed groups for the 2026 World Cup first round, including each nation’s chances of progressing to the knockout stages.

Now the domestic season’s over, the international football buzz is truly starting to take hold; so, here are all the World Cup groups from A to L, including the latest odds outlining each team’s likelihood of progressing to the next round during this summer’s spectacle!

Alternatively, check out the full World Cup match schedule; or perhaps you’re interested in learning which takes the title of World Cup group of death?

Group A

Tournament co-host Mexico is the favourite to top the group, and a heavy odds-on pick to progress to the knockout stages. However, you might be tempted by Czechia or South Korea to bulk out your World Cup acca – or South Africa for a longer selection.

Group B

Switzerland should be the safest pick to progress from group B, with co-host Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina also considered odds-on selections. For a more ambitious pick, consider 2022 host Qatar to make it to the round of 32.

Group C

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Brazil are heavy favourites to progress from group C – you’d have better value backing them to win the group. Among the rest, Morocco is considered the next-best bet to progress, though Scotland shouldn’t be dismissed! Haiti are considered unlikely to get past the group – though, they’re odds-on to place bottom.

Group D

Tournament host USA are odds-on to progress, with stronger returns coming if you back them to win group D outright. Turkey, Paraguay, and Australia all have a good shot at progressing.

Group E

On paper, group E looks relatively straightforward to predict: Germany should top the standings, with Ecuador expected to take silver. There’s a good chance third place in this group progresses, and Curacao not to be dismissed as an option here – they’d certainly add excellent value to any World Cup group stage accumulator, too.

Group F

Group F offers decent value, especially if you look beyond the Netherlands. Two of Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia will be hoping to progress to the next round, and each is given a decent shot.

Group G

There are no major long-shots to progress from group G; though Belgium is the most likely to sail through to the round of 32. Among the rest, Egypt and Iran are expected to contest for the second position, but New Zealand certainly shouldn’t be ignored and can add extra value to any World Cup group stage acca.

Group H

As one of the tournament favourites, it’d be surprising if Spain didn’t top the group, let alone qualify. Based on the latest odds, it’s likely the rest of the group will fall in line, with Uruguay expected to qualify in second. Saudi Arabia earning a spot in the next round could be an option for a longer acca, if they can finish as one of the best third-place teams.

Group I

Norway, steered by Erling Haaland, will be hoping to give France a run for their money in group I; though they’d likely be more than happy with silver if it meant a spot in the next round. However, Senegal come into the tournament as AFCON runners-up on a technicality alone – so will be hungry for further success.

Group J

Looking beyond Argentina, who are among the favourites to win the tournament, let alone progress from their group, Austria and Algeria are considered the next-likeliest to earn a spot in the knockouts. Though. Jordan can offer a surprise and could be an outside pick to make it out of the group via a third-place finish.

Group K

Portugal will expect to cruise group K, with better value perhaps found in backing them to win their World Cup group outright. Meanwhile, Colombia and Congo DR will back themselves to make it to the next round. Though Uzbekistan aren’t necessarily wildcards to progress, they’re given a much slimmer chance than their competitors; however, they’re odds-on to not qualify, if you wanted to add them to your acca in some capacity. 

Group L

England and Croatia will be hoping to progress in first and second, but Ghana shouldn’t be dismissed for silver – and they’ve every chance of making to the round of 32 as a best third-place side. Panama are considered a less likely option, so if you’re intent on adding them to your acca you might find better value in backing them to finish bottom!