2026 World Cup draws: Senegal land in Group of Death, Brazil, England face tough test

The draw for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring 48 teams in 12 groups of four, took place in Washington, D.C., revealing several compelling and difficult matchups, with Africa's Senegal landing in a highly competitive group.

Group I has been widely dubbed the "Group of Death," pairing 2018 champions France with African powerhouse Senegal, and a dangerous Norway side led by superstar striker Erling Haaland. The final spot will be filled by the winner of a FIFA playoff, ensuring a challenging path for all three nations.

France will also have a chance to avenge their famous 2002 World Cup loss to Senegal.

Meanwhile, England was drawn into Group L, setting up a dramatic rematch against Croatia, who famously knocked the Three Lions out of the 2018 semi-finals. Group L is completed by the physical challenge of Ghana and underdogs Panama, making it another strong contender for the tournament's most difficult group.

Elsewhere, defending champions Argentina found a more manageable path in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.

Joint-hosts USA were placed in Group D with Paraguay and Australia, while Brazil faces a tricky challenge in Group C, which includes 2022 semi-finalists Morocco and Scotland.

The tournament will kick off on June 11, with the final scheduled for July 19, 2026, in New Jersey.

• Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, European Play-Off Winner D 

• Group B: Canada, European Play-Off Winner A, Qatar, Switzerland 

• Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland 

• Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, European Play-Off Winner C 

• Group E: Germany, Curacao, Cote d’Ivoire, Ecuador 

• Group F: Netherlands, Japan, European Play-Off Winner B, Tunisia 

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

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

• Group I: France, Senegal, FIFA Play-Off Winner 2, Norway  

• Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan 

• Group K: Portugal, FIFA Play-Off Winner 1, Uzbekistan, Colombia 

• Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama