Image/FIFA

The 2026 World Cup Group stage is set with the FIFA World Cup playoffs set to be determined at the beginning of 2026. The 48-team field, an expansion from the previous 32-team format, will begin June 11 when one of the three host counties Mexico faces South Africa in Mexico City. The U.S will open their group opponent Paraguay, the 39th-ranked team in the world in Inglewood, California on June 12, while Canada the other country hosting the World Cup and opens up their game against Switzerland on June 24th in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Mexico and The United States got favorable draw that are very winnable and should advance in the knockoff rounds and perhaps could win in Group. Mexico should get passed South Africa, in their first match and should get beat the Republic of Korea. The winner of European Play-Off, between Denmark, Czechia, Ireland, or North Macedonia will be the final match of the Group Stage. Mexican soccer coach Javier Aguirre’s team is the highest ranked of those Nations and will fancy themselves to win the group, with Denmark likely posing the greatest threat should they win the playoff matches.

The United States also finds itself in a similar position. Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s men have already beaten Paraguay and Australia 2-1 in friendlies matches this year and should have the confidence to beat those two when World Cup Group competition starts.  Turkey, who already beat the U.S. earlier this year should provide the strongest test should they beat Slovakia, Kosovo, and Romania in the UEFA Playoff Match.

Canada path could be challenging with Switzerland as their first opponent but should beat Qatar in their second match but if Italy should somehow get through Northern Ireland, Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in UEFA playoffs in March could be a huge challenge to advance to the knockoff stage.

All three host nations avoided the likes of France, Senegal, Norway, and the traditional Group of Death. While Croatia, Norway, Morocco, and Senegal, teams that would have started adding up to a tough route going forward.