The expanded 48-team format makes the 2026 FIFA World Cup unlike anything we have seen before. With more matches, more venues, and more qualification paths, the margin for error is smaller than ever.
Now that the draw is complete, attention quickly turns to one familiar question:
Which group truly deserves the label “World Cup Group of Death”?
Below, we rank all 12 groups from least difficult to most challenging, based on squad quality, FIFA rankings, playing styles, and potential upset scenarios — while preserving key match dates and kickoff times for fans planning ahead.
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World Cup 2026 groups
| Group | Pot 1 | Pot 2 | Pot 3 | Pot 4 |
| A | Mexico | South Korea | South Africa | UEFA Playoff D |
| B | Canada | Switzerland | Qatar | UEFA Playoff A |
| C | Brazil | Morocco | Scotland | Haiti |
| D | USA | Australia | Paraguay | UEFA Playoff C |
| E | Germany | Ecuador | Ivory Coast | Curacao |
| F | Netherlands | Japan | Tunisia | UEFA Playoff B |
| G | Belgium | Iran | Egypt | New Zealand |
| H | Spain | Uruguay | Saudi Arabia | Cape Verde |
| I | France | Senegal | Norway | FIFA Playoff 2 |
| J | Argentina | Austria | Algeria | Jordan |
| K | Portugal | Colombia | Uzbekistan | FIFA Playoff 1 |
| L | England | Croatia | Panama | Ghana |
12. Group D – The Softest Path
Teams
(Numbers in parentheses indicate current FIFA world rankings.)
- USA (14)
- Australia (26)
- Paraguay (39)
- UEFA Playoff C (Slovakia, Turkey, Kosovo, or Romania)
Group D Fixtures (ET) — Full Schedule
| Date (ET) | Time (ET) | Match | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jun. 12 | 9 p.m. | United States vs. Paraguay | SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA) |
| Sat, Jun. 13 | 12 a.m. | Australia vs. TBD | BC Place (Vancouver, CAN) |
| Fri, Jun. 19 | 3 p.m. | United States vs. Australia | Lumen Field (Seattle, WA) |
| Sat, Jun. 20 | 12 a.m. | TBD vs. Paraguay | Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, CA) |
| Thu, Jun. 25 | 10 p.m. | TBD vs. United States | SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA) |
| Thu, Jun. 25 | 10 p.m. | Paraguay vs. Australia | Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, CA) |
Analysis
The United States were arguably the biggest winners of the draw. Even with a mandatory UEFA playoff opponent, this group lacks elite top-10 teams. No matter which nation advances from Playoff C, the hosts are heavy favorites to progress.
11. Group G – Belgium in Control
Teams
- Belgium (8)
- Iran (20)
- Egypt (34)
- New Zealand (86)
Group G Fixtures (ET) — Full Schedule
| Date | Time | Match | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, Jun. 15 | 9 p.m. | Belgium vs Egypt | SoFi Stadium (Inglewood) |
| Mon, Jun. 15 | 3 p.m. | Iran vs New Zealand | Lumen Field (Seattle) |
| Sun, Jun. 21 | 3 p.m. | Belgium vs Iran | SoFi Stadium (Inglewood) |
| Sun, Jun. 21 | 9 p.m. | New Zealand vs Egypt | BC Place (Vancouver) |
| Fri, Jun. 26 | 11 p.m. | New Zealand vs Belgium | Lumen Field (Seattle) |
| Fri, Jun. 26 | 11 p.m. | Egypt vs Iran | BC Place (Vancouver) |
Analysis
Belgium should navigate this group without major issues. Iran and Egypt are defensively solid but limited going forward, while New Zealand face a steep challenge.
10. Group A – Mexico’s Manageable Opening
Teams
- Mexico (15)
- South Korea (22)
- South Africa (61)
- UEFA Playoff D (Czechia, Ireland, Denmark, or North Macedonia)
Group A Fixtures (ET) — Full Schedule
| Date | Time (ET) | Match | Location |
| Thu, Jun. 11 | 3 p.m. | Mexico vs. South Africa | Mexico City Stadium (Mexico City, MEX) |
| Thu, Jun. 11 | 10 p.m. | South Korea vs. UEFA Playoff D winner | Estadio Guadalajara (Guadalajara, MEX) |
| Thu, Jun. 18 | 12 p.m. | UEFA Playoff D winner vs. South Africa | Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA) |
| Thu, Jun. 18 | 9 p.m. | Mexico vs. South Korea | Estadio Guadalajara (Guadalajara, MEX) |
| Wed, Jun. 24 | 9 p.m. | UEFA Playoff D winner vs. Mexico | Mexico City Stadium (Mexico City, MEX) |
| Wed, Jun. 24 | 9 p.m. | South Africa vs. South Korea | Estadio Monterrey (Monterrey, MEX) |
Analysis
Mexico avoided elite opposition and should be comfortable advancing, though South Korea are capable of keeping the group competitive.
9. Group J – Argentina’s Smooth Ride
Teams
- Argentina (3)
- Austria (24)
- Algeria (35)
- Jordan (66)
Group J Fixtures (ET) — Full Schedule
| Date | Time | Match | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Jun. 16 | 9 p.m. | Argentina vs Algeria | Arrowhead Stadium (KC) |
| Tue, Jun. 17 | 12 a.m. | Austria vs Jordan | Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara) |
| Mon, Jun. 22 | 1 p.m. | Argentina vs Austria | AT&T Stadium (TX) |
| Mon, Jun. 22 | 11 p.m. | Jordan vs Algeria | Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara) |
| Sat, Jun. 27 | 10 p.m. | Jordan vs Argentina | Arrowhead Stadium (KC) |
| Sat, Jun. 27 | 10 p.m. | Algeria vs Austria | AT&T Stadium (TX) |
Analysis
Defending champions Argentina headline a group with depth but little threat at the top. Upsets are possible, but progression should not be in doubt.
8. Group B – Canada’s Opportunity
Teams
- Canada (27)
- Switzerland (17)
- Qatar (51)
- UEFA Playoff A (Italy, Wales, Northern Ireland, Bosnia)
Group B Fixtures (ET) — Full Schedule
| Date | Time | Match | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jun. 12 | 3 p.m. | Canada vs TBD | BMO Field (Toronto) |
| Sat, Jun. 13 | 3 p.m. | Qatar vs Switzerland | Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara) |
| Thu, Jun. 18 | 3 p.m. | Switzerland vs TBD | SoFi Stadium (Inglewood) |
| Thu, Jun. 18 | 6 p.m. | Canada vs Qatar | BC Place (Vancouver) |
| Wed, Jun. 24 | 3 p.m. | Switzerland vs Canada | BC Place (Vancouver) |
| Wed, Jun. 24 | 3 p.m. | TBD vs Qatar | Lumen Field (Seattle) |
Analysis
Switzerland are favorites, but this group is wide open for the hosts. Even if Italy qualify, Canada have a realistic path to the knockouts.
7. Group F – Dangerous but Balanced
Teams
- Netherlands (7)
- Japan (18)
- Tunisia (40)
- UEFA Playoff B (Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, Albania)
Group F Fixtures (ET) — Full Schedule
| Date | Time | Match | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, Jun. 14 | 4 p.m. | Netherlands vs Japan | AT&T Stadium (TX) |
| Sun, Jun. 14 | 10 p.m. | TBD vs Tunisia | Estadio BBVA (Monterrey) |
| Sat, Jun. 20 | 1 p.m. | Netherlands vs TBD | NRG Stadium (Houston) |
| Sat, Jun. 21 | 12 a.m. | Tunisia vs Japan | Estadio BBVA (Monterrey) |
| Thu, Jun. 25 | 7 p.m. | Tunisia vs Netherlands | AT&T Stadium (TX) |
| Thu, Jun. 25 | 7 p.m. | Japan vs TBD | Arrowhead Stadium (KC) |
Analysis
Japan’s recent World Cup performances ensure this group will not be straightforward, but the top two should still progress.
6. Group L – European Heavyweights
Teams
- England (4)
- Croatia (10)
- Ghana (72)
- Panama (30)
Group L Fixtures (ET) — Full Schedule
| Date | Time | Match | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jun. 17 | 4 p.m. | England vs Croatia | AT&T Stadium (TX) |
| Fri, Jun. 17 | 7 p.m. | Ghana vs Panama | BMO Field (Toronto) |
| Tue, Jun. 23 | 4 p.m. | England vs Ghana | Gillette Stadium (MA) |
| Tue, Jun. 23 | 7 p.m. | Panama vs Croatia | BMO Field (Toronto) |
| Sat, Jun. 27 | 5 p.m. | Panama vs England | MetLife Stadium (NJ) |
| Sat, Jun. 27 | 5 p.m. | Croatia vs Ghana | Lincoln Financial Field (PA) |
Analysis
England and Croatia dominate this group on paper, with little margin for surprise.
5. Group K – Tricky Undercurrents
Teams
- Portugal (6)
- Colombia (13)
- Uzbekistan (50)
- FIFA Playoff 1 (DR Congo, Jamaica, New Caledonia)
Group K Fixtures (ET) — Full Schedule
| Date | Time | Match | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jun. 17 | 1 p.m. | Portugal vs TBD | NRG Stadium (Houston) |
| Fri, Jun. 17 | 10 p.m. | Uzbekistan vs Colombia | Estadio Azteca (Mexico City) |
| Tue, Jun. 23 | 1 p.m. | Portugal vs Uzbekistan | NRG Stadium (Houston) |
| Tue, Jun. 23 | 10 p.m. | Colombia vs TBD | Estadio Akron (Guadalajara) |
| Sat, Jun. 27 | 7:30 p.m. | Colombia vs Portugal | Hard Rock Stadium (Miami) |
| Sat, Jun. 27 | 7:30 p.m. | TBD vs Uzbekistan | Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) |
Analysis
While Portugal and Colombia should advance, both Uzbekistan and DR Congo can make life uncomfortable.
4. Group E – Sneaky Difficult
Teams
- Germany (9)
- Ecuador (23)
- Ivory Coast (42)
- Curacao (82)
Group E Fixtures (ET) — Full Schedule
| Date | Time | Match | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, Jun. 14 | 1 p.m. | Germany vs Curacao | NRG Stadium (Houston) |
| Sun, Jun. 14 | 7 p.m. | Ivory Coast vs Ecuador | Lincoln Financial Field (PA) |
| Sat, Jun. 20 | 4 p.m. | Germany vs Ivory Coast | BMO Field (Toronto) |
| Sat, Jun. 20 | 8 p.m. | Ecuador vs Curacao | Arrowhead Stadium (KC) |
| Thu, Jun. 25 | 4 p.m. | Ecuador vs Germany | MetLife Stadium (NJ) |
| Thu, Jun. 25 | 4 p.m. | Curacao vs Ivory Coast | Lincoln Financial Field (PA) |
Analysis
Ecuador’s rise and Ivory Coast’s physicality add intrigue. Germany must be sharp from the start.
3. Group H – Nearly the Group of Death
Teams
- Spain (1)
- Uruguay (16)
- Saudi Arabia (60)
- Cape Verde (68)
Group H Fixtures (ET) — Full Schedule
| Date | Time | Match | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, Jun. 15 | 12 p.m. | Spain vs Cape Verde | Mercedes-Benz Stadium (ATL) |
| Mon, Jun. 15 | 6 p.m. | Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay | Hard Rock Stadium (Miami) |
| Sun, Jun. 21 | 12 p.m. | Spain vs Saudi Arabia | Mercedes-Benz Stadium (ATL) |
| Sun, Jun. 21 | 6 p.m. | Uruguay vs Cape Verde | Hard Rock Stadium (Miami) |
| Fri, Jun. 26 | 8 p.m. | Uruguay vs Spain | NRG Stadium (Houston) |
| Fri, Jun. 26 | 8 p.m. | Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia | Estadio Akron (Guadalajara) |
Analysis
Spain and Uruguay headline this group, but the bottom half lacks the depth needed for true chaos.
2. Group C – Chaos Potential
Teams
- Brazil (5)
- Morocco (11)
- Scotland (36)
- Haiti (84)
Group C Fixtures (ET) — Full Schedule
| Date | Time | Match | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Jun. 13 | 6 p.m. | Brazil vs Morocco | MetLife Stadium (NJ) |
| Sat, Jun. 13 | 9 p.m. | Haiti vs Scotland | Gillette Stadium (MA) |
| Fri, Jun. 19 | 6 p.m. | Brazil vs Haiti | Gillette Stadium (MA) |
| Fri, Jun. 19 | 9 p.m. | Scotland vs Morocco | Lincoln Financial Field (PA) |
| Wed, Jun. 24 | 6 p.m. | Scotland vs Brazil | Hard Rock Stadium (FL) |
| Wed, Jun. 24 | 6 p.m. | Morocco vs Haiti | Mercedes-Benz Stadium (ATL) |
Analysis
Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland all bring contrasting styles. Expect drama and possible shock results.
1. World Cup Group of Death: Group I
Teams
- France (2)
- Senegal (19)
- Norway (29)
- FIFA Playoff 2 (Iraq, Bolivia, or Suriname)
Group I Fixtures (ET) — Full Schedule
| Date | Time | Match | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Jun. 16 | 3 p.m. | France vs Senegal | MetLife Stadium (NJ) |
| Tue, Jun. 16 | 6 p.m. | TBD vs Norway | Gillette Stadium (MA) |
| Mon, Jun. 22 | 5 p.m. | France vs TBD | Lincoln Financial Field (PA) |
| Mon, Jun. 22 | 8 p.m. | Norway vs Senegal | MetLife Stadium (NJ) |
| Fri, Jun. 26 | 3 p.m. | Norway vs France | Gillette Stadium (MA) |
| Fri, Jun. 26 | 3 p.m. | Senegal vs TBD | BMO Field (Toronto) |
Analysis
This is the clearest World Cup Group of Death at the 2026 tournament.
France bring elite pedigree, Senegal arrive in dominant qualifying form, and Norway possess game-breaking talent in Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. Even the playoff qualifier offers defensive resistance.
No match here is safe. Every point will matter.
Final Verdict
While several groups offer intrigue, Group I stands alone as the toughest challenge top to bottom. In a tournament defined by expansion and unpredictability, this is where true World Cup survival begins.
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FAQ
What does “World Cup Group of Death” mean?
The World Cup Group of Death refers to a group with multiple strong teams where qualification is highly competitive and no match offers an easy result.
Which group is the World Cup Group of Death in 2026?
Based on rankings, squad depth, and playing styles, Group I stands out as the World Cup Group of Death for the 2026 tournament.
How are World Cup Group of Death rankings determined?
Groups are ranked by overall team strength, FIFA rankings, tactical matchups, and upset potential rather than reputation alone.
Does the expanded 48-team format affect the World Cup Group of Death?
Yes. While more teams advance, groups with several top-30 teams remain extremely dangerous, making early qualification far from guaranteed.
Can a World Cup Group of Death produce surprise eliminations?
Absolutely. The World Cup Group of Death often creates high-pressure matches that lead to unexpected exits by major nations.
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