If you want to know about all 48 world cup 2026, this guide covers everything you need. This guide is maintained by a Kansas City local. Some links may be affiliate links. We only recommend things we’d tell a friend about.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup features 48 qualified teams divided into 12 groups. The draw took place on December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. As of February 2026, 42 teams are confirmed with 6 spots still decided by playoff (4 UEFA playoff winners and 2 inter-confederation playoff winners, decided March 2026).
Below is every group with each team’s FIFA ranking, confederation, and key storylines. Kansas City hosts matches from Groups E, F, and J, so those groups are highlighted.
Teams by Confederation: All 48 World Cup 2026
| Confederation | Teams | Count |
|---|---|---|
| UEFA (Europe) | Spain, France, England, Portugal, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Croatia, Austria, Scotland, Switzerland, Norway + 4 playoff TBD | 16 |
| CAF (Africa) | Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Egypt, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Ghana, Cape Verde | 9 |
| AFC (Asia) | Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Iran, Qatar, Jordan, Uzbekistan | 8 |
| CONCACAF (N. America) | USA, Mexico, Canada, Panama, Ecuador, Curacao | 6 |
| CONMEBOL (S. America) | Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay, Haiti | 6 |
| OFC (Oceania) | New Zealand | 1 |
| Inter-conf playoffs | 2 TBD (March 2026) | 2 |
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, UEFA Path D Winner
Mexico (FIFA #15) plays the opening match of the tournament on June 11 at Estadio Azteca. As a co-host nation, Mexico carries the weight of opening in front of 83,000 fans in Mexico City. South Africa (#61) qualifies for the first time since 2002, when they co-hosted the 2010 World Cup. South Korea (#22) brings their famously passionate fanbase. The fourth spot goes to the UEFA Path D playoff winner (Denmark, Czech Republic, Ireland, or North Macedonia).
Group B: Canada, UEFA Path A Winner, Qatar, Switzerland
Canada (#27) hosts their group matches in Toronto and Vancouver. This is Canada’s first time co-hosting the men’s World Cup. Qatar (#51) qualifies through competition for the first time after hosting in 2022. Switzerland (#17) is the strongest European team in the group. The UEFA Path A winner could be Italy, Wales, Bosnia and Herzegovina, or Northern Ireland. Mastering all 48 world cup 2026 takes practice but delivers great results.
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Brazil (#5) enters as perennial favorites with Vinicius Jr. leading the attack. Morocco (#11) was the breakout story of 2022, reaching the Semifinals in Qatar. Haiti (#84) returns to the World Cup after 52 years (last appearance: 1974). Scotland (#36) is back after 28 years.
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, UEFA Path C Winner (USA’s Group)
The United States (#14) plays all group matches on the West Coast: the opener vs Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles (June 12), Australia at Lumen Field in Seattle (June 19), and the final group match at SoFi Stadium (June 25). Read our full USMNT breakdown for roster predictions, key players, and where to watch in KC.
Paraguay (#39) and Australia (#26) are competitive opponents. The fourth spot is a UEFA Path C playoff winner: Turkey (#38), Slovakia (#48), Romania (#34), or Kosovo (#107). If Turkey qualifies, Group D becomes significantly harder.
Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador (Plays in KC)
Kansas City hosts Ecuador vs Curacao on June 20. Germany (#9) leads this group with Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, two of the most exciting young players in world soccer. Curacao (#82) makes their World Cup debut as the smallest country by area and population ever to qualify. Ivory Coast (#42) and Ecuador (#23) both bring strong squads.
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, UEFA Path B Winner, Tunisia (Plays in KC)
Kansas City hosts Tunisia vs Netherlands on June 25. Netherlands (#7) is one of four teams with a base camp in the KC metro area, training at the KC Current Training Facility in Riverside, Missouri. Japan (#18) has been one of Asia’s strongest teams for two decades. Tunisia (#40) brings a passionate North African fanbase. The UEFA Path B winner is Ukraine, Poland, Albania, or Sweden. Understanding all 48 world cup 2026 is key to a great World Cup experience.
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Belgium (#8) enters in transition after their golden generation aged out. Egypt (#34) features Mohamed Salah. Iran (#20) qualifies amid controversy. New Zealand (#86) benefits from OFC’s first guaranteed berth at an expanded World Cup.
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Spain (#1, top-ranked team in the tournament) enters as reigning European Champions with 18-year-old phenom Lamine Yamal. Cape Verde (#68) makes their World Cup debut. Saudi Arabia (#60) shocked Argentina in 2022’s group stage. Uruguay (#16) brings their trademark defensive grit.
Group I: France, Senegal, Inter-conf Playoff, Norway
France (#3) features Kylian Mbappe at 27, in his absolute prime at Real Madrid. Senegal (#19) is Africa’s strongest team. Norway (#29) returns after 28 years, bringing Erling Haaland to his first-ever World Cup. At 25, Haaland is one of the most prolific scorers in the world at Manchester City.
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan (Plays in KC)
This is the marquee Kansas City group. Argentina (#2) is the defending champion. Kansas City hosts Argentina vs Algeria on June 16 (opening Group J match) and Algeria vs Austria on June 27. Argentina has set up their base camp at Sporting KC’s Training Center in Kansas City, Kansas, staying at Hotel Savoy KC.
If Lionel Messi plays (he turns 39 during the group stage and has not announced retirement from international soccer), this could be his farewell World Cup. Jordan (#66) makes their World Cup debut. Austria (#24) returns after 28 years. Algeria (#35) also has a KC metro base camp at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. When it comes to all 48 world cup 2026, preparation matters most.
Group K: Portugal, Inter-conf Playoff, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Portugal (#6) is led by Cristiano Ronaldo (41), who received a red card during qualifying but is eligible to play after a partially suspended ban. Colombia (#13) is South America’s dark horse. Uzbekistan (#50) makes their World Cup debut.
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
England (#4) features Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden. England has a base camp at Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, staying at The Inn at Meadowbrook in Prairie Village, Kansas. Croatia (#10) reached the 2022 Semifinals and the 2018 Final. Ghana (#72) and Panama (#30) round out the group.
Four World Cup Debutants to Watch
- Cape Verde (Group H): Island nation off West Africa, population 590,000
- Curacao (Group E): Smallest country ever to qualify, plays in KC June 20
- Jordan (Group J): First Arab team outside the Gulf to qualify, plays in KC’s group
- Uzbekistan (Group K): Central Asian powerhouse making their long-awaited debut
Star Players to Watch in 2026
| Player | Country | Age | Club | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Argentina | 38-39 | Inter Miami | Possibly final World Cup ever |
| Kylian Mbappe | France | 27 | Real Madrid | Peak years, fastest player alive |
| Erling Haaland | Norway | 25 | Man City | First World Cup, elite scorer |
| Jude Bellingham | England | 22 | Real Madrid | Best young midfielder |
| Vinicius Jr. | Brazil | 25 | Real Madrid | Electric winger, Ballon d’Or contender |
| Lamine Yamal | Spain | 18 | Barcelona | Youngest star in tournament |
| Jamal Musiala | Germany | 23 | Bayern Munich | Technical genius |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | 41 | Al Nassr | All-time great, possible final WC |
Teams Based in Kansas City
Four national teams have set up their World Cup base camps in the Kansas City metro area:
- Argentina: Sporting KC Training Center, Kansas City, KS (Hotel Savoy KC)
- England: Swope Soccer Village, Kansas City, MO (The Inn at Meadowbrook, Prairie Village, KS)
- Netherlands: KC Current Training Facility, Riverside, MO (Hotel Kansas City)
- Algeria: University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS (The Oread Lawrence)
This means KC locals and visitors may spot international soccer stars training around the city throughout the tournament. Expect public training sessions and fan events organized by each federation.
Further reading: For more information, see FIFA World Cup 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which World Cup 2026 qualified teams will play in Kansas City?
Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium will host matches from Groups E, F, and J. These groups feature some of the tournament’s most competitive matchups, and you can find the complete team rosters and rankings for each group in the full guide.
When was the World Cup 2026 group draw and how many teams qualified?
The draw took place on December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., determining the 12 groups of 48 teams total. As of February 2026, 42 teams are confirmed with 6 additional spots still being decided by playoffs in March 2026.
What are the key storylines for Group A in the 2026 World Cup?
Mexico kicks off the entire tournament on June 11 at Estadio Azteca as a co-host nation, South Africa returns to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, and South Korea brings their passionate fanbase. The fourth team will be determined by the UEFA Path D playoff winner.
How many teams from each confederation qualified for World Cup 2026?
UEFA (Europe) qualified the most with 16 teams, followed by CAF (Africa) with 9, AFC (Asia) with 8, and CONCACAF (North America), CONMEBOL (South America) each with 6 teams. New Zealand represents OFC (Oceania) as the only team from that confederation, with 2 additional spots determined by inter-confederation playoffs.