Washington, USA — The eyes of the world turned to the Kennedy Center on Friday as the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup mapped out the journey for all 48 participating nations. In a dramatic reveal, defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, learned they will open their title defense against Algeria. The United States, meanwhile, begins its campaign against Paraguay.
RELATED NEWS : Trump meets Mexican President Sheinbaum and Canada’s PM in person for the first time at the World Cup draw
The draw — marking 27 months since qualifying began — delivered clarity to giants such as Brazil and Germany, as well as debutants Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, in a tournament that will span 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Emotions Run High for Debut Nations
“It’s exciting for the island — the people are so proud,” said Dick Advocaat, the 78-year-old Dutch coach guiding Curaçao into their historic opener against four-time champions Germany.
A Ceremony Filled With Politics, Stars, and Snow
2026 World Cup draw results
Snow fell over the U.S. capital as the glitzy program unfolded. U.S. President Donald Trump received FIFA’s newly created Peace Prize, joined on stage by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who each drew their nations’ names from glass spheres. Sheinbaum drew the loudest applause.
FIFA’s star-studded pre-show nearly rivaled a full match in length, featuring icons such as Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Aaron Judge, and Wayne Gretzky. New Zealand’s group was the final one determined.
“Watching the Americans on stage, the presidents, the celebrities — it already felt like an American event,” said U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams, tuning in from England. “We know what to expect next summer: halftime shows, big performances, and everything that comes with American sports culture.”
Argentina: Messi Awaits, Title Defense Begins June 16
Three-time champions Argentina begin on June 16 in either Kansas City or Santa Clara. Argentina then face Austria and Jordan in Group J.
Messi, who turns 39 during the tournament, has not yet officially committed.
“We are just waiting for him to decide,” coach Lionel Scaloni said. “In principle, everything is going well.”
United States: High Ambition, Familiar Opponents
Team USA opens Group D against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, then plays Australia in Seattle before returning to Los Angeles to face the winner of a playoff between Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo.
“We know them — but they know us too,” said U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, who boldly defined success as: “Win the World Cup.”
Mexico: Tournament Opener at Azteca Stadium
Mexico kicks off the entire tournament on June 11 at the iconic Azteca Stadium against South Africa, a rematch of the 2010 World Cup opener. El Tri then meet South Korea before closing against a playoff winner from Czech Republic, Ireland, Denmark, or North Macedonia.
The Road Ahead
Forty-two teams have already qualified. Twenty-two more nations will contest playoff berths to determine the final six teams by March 31.
The top two teams from each of the 12 groups, along with the best eight third-place teams, will advance to the expanded Round of 32. All knockout matches from the quarterfinals onward will take place in the U.S., culminating in the July 19 final in New Jersey.
Other Group Highlights
• England face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in Group L. Coach Thomas Tuchel said U.S. summer conditions — heat, humidity, altitude, and time zones — will challenge every squad.
• Brazil open against Morocco, followed by Haiti and Scotland in Group C. “A difficult group,” said coach Carlo Ancelotti.
• Spain, the top-ranked team, play Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay in Group H.
• Germany meet Curaçao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador in Group E. “It’s always difficult to play South American teams,” noted coach Julian Nagelsmann.
SOURCE : AP NEWS | Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |
