Thoughts about the World Cup 2026 Draw (Opinion)

The World Cup 2026 draw was held Friday afternoon at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. The draw had more intrigue this time around because the World Cup has been expanded from 32 to 48 countries.

Due to the expansion, Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan will be making their first-ever World Cup appearance. This World Cup will also be the first World Cup where the matches will be played in three different host countries: USA, Mexico, and Canada.

The best part of the World Cup draw was listening to NHL legend Wayne Gretzky butcher the names of countries.

At the very least, it was the first time in a long time that Lauryn Hill was on time for a musical performance.

US President Donald Trump also received the first-ever FIFA peace prize for bringing peace around the whole world. Unfortunately, the peace plan implemented between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) lasted only one day.

Here is a look at the results of the World Cup 2026 draw.

Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Winner of Playoff between Denmark, North Macedonia, Czechia, and Ireland.

Mexico appears to be the home favorite in this group solely because of the altitude in Mexico. Two of the three group matches for Mexico will be played at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. These two games will be played at an altitude of over 7,000 feet. Nevertheless, upsets could happen because South Korea is led by Heung-Min Son and because South Africa is defensively sound. The group could become tricky though if Denmark wins the playoff.

Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, Winner of Playoff between Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Normally, the home country in the World Cup is given an easier group. However, Canada will have to deal with Switzerland and with Italy or Wales who are the favorites to win the playoff to be the last spot in this group. The winner of this group will be a toss-up.

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti.

First of all, let's commend Haiti for even qualifying for the World Cup. None of the players even live in Haiti due to the ongoing violence that has been going on there for over a century. All of Haiti's home games were played in different countries. However, Haiti will be clobbered by Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland. Any of these three countries could win this group.

Group D: USA, Australia, Paraguay, Winner of Playoff between Turkiye, Romania, Slovakia, and Kosovo.

USA will have no issues winning this group unless Turkiye wins the playoff.

Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curacao.

Germany should win this group easily unless Ecuador or Ivory Coast can pull off an upset.

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Winner of Playoff between Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, Albania.

Netherlands will win this group, but things will be a little trickier if Sweden, Ukraine, or Poland win this playoff.

Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand.

Belgium will win this group with ease. The question in this group is who will finish second between Iran, Egypt, or New Zealand.

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

Spain has the easiest group in this World Cup. Second place is up for grabs between the other three teams.

Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, Winner of Playoff between Iraq, Bolivia, and Suriname.

Here is the group everyone is talking about. France, Senegal, or Norway can win this group. Each of these countries have a world-class player that can change the outcome of any game (Kylian Mbappe - France, Erling Haaland - Norway, Sadio Mane - Senegal). Whoever wins this playoff will lose each game in this group by at least five goals.

Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan.

Argentina should win this group easily, but they could possibly be upset in this group stage like how they were upset four years ago by Saudi Arabia. Austria and Algeria will contend for the second spot.

Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Winner of Playoff between DRC, Jamaica, and New Caledonia.

Portugal wins this group with ease. Colombia should end up second.

Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana.

England should win this group, but it will not be a cakewalk. Croatia with Luka Modric and Ghana with Antoine Semenyo will make this group interesting.

If your team is not predicted to win the group, then do not lose hope because 32 of the 48 teams will qualify for the knockout rounds.

Disclaimer: These views do not reflect the views of Vocal Media.