The 2026 FIFA World Cup Groups Draw will chart teams’ path to glory.
FIFA has crafted a seeding system that ensures competitive balance at an expanded 48-team competition.
FIFA’s pathway separates the top four teams—Spain, Argentina, France, and England—to prevent early matchups.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 draw date on December 5, 2025, should uncover the top 10 teams favored to win it all.
Review our predictions and results as our World Cup 2026 qualifiers coverage continues.
2026 FIFA World Cup Groups Draw still sees Spain as the favorite regardless of groupmates
Spain remains the favorite to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy regardless of its groupmates after the draw.
The current No.1 squad in the FIFA rankings is on an impressive run dating back to Euro 2024.
On the other hand, La Roja swept to victory in that tournament, winning six of seven matches in 90 minutes.
Luis dela Fuente’s side has since been on a 31-match unbeaten streak (excluding penalty shootouts) and has emerged as the favorite.
Explore our World Cup 2026 schedules and fixtures for all updates!
FIFA World Rankings Top 10 (as of December 2025)
| Rank | Team | Total Points | Previous Points |
| 1 | Spain | 1877.18 | 1880.76 |
| 2 | Argentina | 1873.33 | 1872.43 |
| 3 | France | 1870 | 1862.71 |
| 4 | England | 1834.12 | 1824.3 |
| 5 | Brazil | 1760.46 | 1758.85 |
| 6 | Portugal | 1760.38 | 1778 |
| 7 | Netherlands | 1756.27 | 1759.6 |
| 8 | Belgium | 1730.71 | 1740.01 |
| 9 | Germany | 1724.15 | 1713.3 |
| 10 | Croatia | 1716.88 | 1710.15 |
France’s payback possible amid 2026 FIFA World Cup Groups Draw aftermath
France seeks payback after losing to Argentina on penalties in 2022.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 draw will divide France and 47 other teams into four pots based on FIFA rankings and host-nation placement.
There are 12 teams in each pot, with each of the 12 groups (A-L) having one team from each pot.
Les Bleus, like Spain, are expected to lead their group regardless of which nation joins them.
Ultimately, Didier Deschamps is determined to steer France to hoist another World Cup trophy.
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England boosts FIFA World Cup 2026 title odds after impressive UEFA qualifiers
England boosted its stock to win the WC2006 after coming up big in the September UEFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Three Lions had eight wins and clean sheets, topping Group K as the first European qualifier.
Tuchel can become the first England manager and third overall to win both the Champions League and the World Cup.
He can follow in the footsteps of Lippi and Del Bosque, who also achieved this honor.
Overall, Tuchel is determined to end England’s 60-year World Cup drought.
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Argentina out to defend title, give sendoff to Messi amid 2026 FIFA World Cup draw date
Only special teams can defend their World Cup titles, and Argentina has a golden chance to do so in WC2026.
Argentina led CONMEBOL qualifiers by nine points over Ecuador in 2025. On the other hand, Luis Scaloni’s side still has its best player, Lionel Messi, to lead the way.
The 38-year-old superstar led Inter Miami to the MLS Cup final in 2024-25.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw may place Argentina with two UEFA teams, but that doesn’t matter.
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Germany, Portugal, Brazil, Netherlands also gather high WC2026 title chances
Germany, Portugal, Brazil, and the Netherlands are also popular favorites for 2026.
All four belong to Pot 1 in the World Cup draw. For the uninitiated, nine of the 12 teams in pot 1 (except for hosts Canada, Mexico, and the USA) are among the elite sides in the FIFA rankings.
Julian Nagelsmann aims to lead Germany to its first World Cup since 2014.
Portugal will still have Cristiano Ronaldo, who hopes for a fitting sendoff with his first WC2026 trophy.
Brazil stays a favorite under Carlo Ancelotti with Vinicius leading.
On the other hand, the Netherlands hope to sustain their amazing run from Euro 2024 by going deep in WC2026.
Take a look at the list of updated qualified teams here.
Norway, USA darkhorses on contrasting circumstances, eyes deep WC2026 run
Norway and the United States have emerged as dark horses for contrasting reasons.
The Lovene won eight qualifiers with 37 goals, advancing from a group that included Italy. The numbers were more than enough to steer the LoNorway to the 2026 World Cup.
In contrast, the USA will host 11 matches at home in the 2026 World Cup.
The USMNT hopes to equal France, the last host team to win the World Cup in 1998.
Stay tuned to our FIFA World Cup 2026 website for more football news and other updates.
Pot 1 teams tipped to lead the way in 2026 FIFA World Cup Groups Draw
At least nine Pot 1 teams are expected to lead after the group stages.
Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany are capable of topping nine of the 12 groups.
On the other hand, the three co-hosts, Canada, Mexico, and the USA, can bank on home pitch advantage to figure among the group topnotchers.
However, those three teams could draw potent Pot 2 teams from Croatia, Colombia, and Uruguay.
Expect WC2026 to be a slugfest in the group stages before the knockout phase.
Check your favorite team’s latest odds by visiting our updated World Cup Odds page.
2026 FIFA World Cup Groups Draw: In retrospect
Fans will have a field day figuring out matchups after the 2026 FIFA World Cup Groups Draw has been completed.
FIFA will unveil the match schedule rollout for WC2026 24 hours after the December 5, 2025, draw.
The qualified teams can map out training plans once the initial schedule, including venues and dates, is rolled out.
Anticipation is expected to remain at fever pitch, as the UEFA and intercontinental playoffs await in March 2026.
Once the six teams complete the 48-team field, all bets are off as fans brace for what could be the biggest World Cup ever.
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