The FIFA World Cup 2026 final draw has positioned England in what many are calling the tournament’s ‘Group of Death.’
FIFA ensured parity at the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw on December 5, 2025.
However, England, ranked fourth by FIFA, is in Group L with Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.
Coach Thomas Tuchel described his team’s group as a “difficult group,” acknowledging the quality of the opposition.
Tuchel appeared respectful of England’s group opponents, despite the team’s high ranking.
Revisit our coverage as we track how our predictions and actual results shape England’s World Cup journey.
FIFA World Cup 2026 final draw groups finalized
The FIFA World Cup 2026 final draw saw 42 of the 48 officially qualified teams allocated to specific groups, with each group listing the teams that will compete against one another in the tournament’s group stage.
The remaining six tournament spots will be filled by the winners of the upcoming UEFA and intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.
The six placeholders were still grouped during the draw, ensuring their positions after they emerged from the playoffs.
The three co-hosts—Canada, Mexico, and the United States—were each assigned to a specific group before the draw: Canada to Group B, Mexico to Group A, and the United States to Group D.
Canada is joined by Qatar, Switzerland, and a UEFA playoff winner.
On the other hand, Mexico is in Group A with South Korea, South Africa, and a UEFA playoff winner.
Team USA will join Paraguay, Australia, and a UEFA playoff winner in Group D.
See the updated list of qualified teams here.
England to be tested early in ‘Group of Death’
England may be the No. 4 seed, but the group stages may be tricky early in the tournament.
The Three Lions’ early match against Croatia could be its toughest to reach the top of the group.
Tuchel said his team won’t overlook any groupmate, especially Croatia.
“Difficult group, tough opener. Croatia and Ghana are regulars—proud and strong nations,” he told BBC Sport.
“Panama, I don’t know much about it at the moment, but we will before the tournament starts,” he added.
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Croatia among dark horses to win it all; Ghana a CAF power
Tuchel’s comments on Croatia underline the fierce competition England faces within the group.
The Vatreni, like England, are also within the top 10 in the FIFA rankings.
Croatia led Group L of UEFA’s November Qualifiers, undefeated at 7-1-0, for 22 points.
Meanwhile, Ghana was the topnotcher in Group I of the CAF World Cup Qualifiers with 23 points and an 8-1-1 record.
Panama led Group A of the CONCACAF qualifiers to reach its second World Cup appearance.
“Panama will try to make the most of their underdog role. No one can be underestimated, everyone deserves the fullest respect,” Tuchel said.
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Scotland relieved no other UEFA squad in group despite Brazil standing in their way
Coach Steve Clark welcomed Scotland’s Group C placement as its only UEFA representative.
Scotland joins Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti in Group C.
“One of the big things in my head was no European teams, so we’re playing three top sides from three different continents of the world, and that’s what the World Cup is about,” Clarke told BBC Sport.
“It’s great to play Brazil. In 1998, Brazil and Morocco were also in our group—it’s fate,” he added.
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Early France vs Norway group stage matchup pits Mbappe against Haaland
France will be tested early in the group stages, like England.
Les Bleus will have to deal with fellow UEFA squad Norway, along with Senegal, in Group I of the Intercontinental qualifier.
Also, that means fans will be in for a treat with a matchup between Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.
Mbappe needs three goals to surpass Olivier Giroud as France’s top scorer.
Haaland is already Norway’s top scorer.
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Spain, Germany, Belgium sole UEFA teams in their respective groups
Three UEFA teams will not have to deal wth fellow UEFA squads in their respective groups.
Top-seeded Spain is favored in Group H, which also has Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde.
Germany is in Group E along with Ecuador, Ivory Coast, and Curacao.
On the other hand, Belgium is joined by Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand in Group G.
Argentina, Portugal favored in groups despite presence of UEFA squads
Defending champion Argentina is favored in its group despite a UEFA opponent.
The No. 2 seeds – led by Lionel Messi – are in Group J, along with Algeria, Jordan, and Austria.
Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, is in Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan, and an Intercontinental playoff qualifier.
Find your favorite team’s current chances on our World Cup Odds page.
FIFA World Cup 2026 final draw: In retrospect
The FIFA World Cup 2026 final draw applied a new system to fit an expanded 48-team structure.
FIFA has made every effort to ensure competitive balance among the top-ranked teams, regardless of their federation.
On the other hand, England being grouped with Croatia may be inevitable, as some groups will feature two UEFA teams.
Fans are the winners, enjoying fierce competition early in the group stages.
This means that even the top squads cannot overlook their opponents to ensure a top placing in their respective groups.
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