FACTBOX: World Cup 2026: teams qualified, key players and fixtures

The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The expanded tournament will feature 48 teams competing across 16 cities from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Below is a breakdown of the participating teams, their qualification journeys, key players, and group-stage fixtures.

GROUP A

Mexico

Mexico, a three-time World Cup host, qualified automatically and will play the tournament’s opening match against South Africa at the Azteca Stadium. The fixture echoes the 2010 World Cup opener held in South Africa.

Coach Javier Aguirre has assembled a balanced squad of youth and experience. Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez and veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa headline the team, alongside 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora of Tijuana, the youngest player in the tournament. Mexico aims to surpass its best-ever finish of the quarter-finals.

Ochoa will make a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance, matching Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

South Africa

South Africa returns to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 after securing qualification with a decisive 3-0 win over Rwanda in October 2025, despite a points deduction during qualifying.

This marks their fourth World Cup appearance, with “Bafana Bafana” still seeking a first progression beyond the group stage.

Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng is among the standout players to watch.

South Korea

South Korea qualified for their 11th consecutive World Cup since 1986, securing qualification with a dominant campaign and a strong finish in Asian qualifying.

Their best performance remains a fourth-place finish in 2002 as co-hosts. Key players include Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Kang-in Lee and former Tottenham captain Son Heung-min.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic reached the tournament via dramatic playoff victories over Ireland and Denmark after finishing second in their qualifying group behind Croatia.

As Czechoslovakia, they were twice World Cup runners-up. Since their split, their only appearance (2006) ended in the group stage.

Key players include Patrik Schick (Leverkusen), Tomáš Souček (West Ham), and Pavel Šulc (Lyon).

Group A Fixtures

Mexico vs South Africa – June 11, 1900 GMT

South Korea vs Czech Republic – June 12, 0200 GMT

Czech Republic vs South Africa – June 18, 1600 GMT

Mexico vs South Korea – June 19, 0100 GMT

Czech Republic vs Mexico – June 25, 0100 GMT

South Africa vs South Korea – June 25, 0100 GMT

GROUP B

Canada

Canada qualified automatically as co-hosts. This marks their third World Cup appearance, following 1986 and 2022, both without a win or draw.

Led by Bayern Munich winger Alphonso Davies and Juventus striker Jonathan David, Canada enters with its strongest squad in history and hopes to secure its first-ever World Cup victory.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia qualified after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Italy. Veteran striker Edin Džeko remains the team’s leader and top scorer.

Coach Sergej Barbarez blends experience and youth, with players like Tarik Muharemović and Esmir Bajraktarević expected to play key roles.

Qatar

Qatar qualified through Asian qualifying after debuting as hosts in 2022. Under coach Julen Lopetegui, the team continues its rebuild with Hassan Al-Haydos as captain and Almoez Ali leading the attack.

Switzerland

Switzerland topped their qualifying group and continue their strong run of six consecutive World Cup appearances.

Coach Murat Yakin relies on Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler, and striker Breel Embolo. The team aims to improve on its round-of-16 exit in 2022.

Group B Fixtures

Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina – June 12, 1900 GMT

Qatar vs Switzerland – June 13, 1900 GMT

Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina – June 18, 1900 GMT

Canada vs Qatar – June 18, 2200 GMT

Switzerland vs Canada – June 24, 1900 GMT

Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar – June 24, 1900 GMT

GROUP C

Brazil

Brazil, five-time champions, remain the most successful nation in World Cup history. Despite qualification struggles, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad features Vinícius Jr. and Raphinha as attacking leaders.

Morocco

Morocco dominated qualification and remain one of Africa’s strongest teams after their historic 2022 semi-final run. Captain Achraf Hakimi leads the squad.

Haiti

Haiti returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1974. The team enters as one of the lowest-ranked sides and faces significant challenges in preparation.

Scotland

Scotland returns to the World Cup this century under Steve Clarke. Key players include Andy Robertson and Scott McTominay, who secured qualification with a decisive goal.

Group C Fixtures

Brazil vs Morocco – June 13, 2200 GMT

Haiti vs Scotland – June 14, 0100 GMT

Scotland vs Morocco – June 19, 2200 GMT

Brazil vs Haiti – June 19, 0030 GMT

Scotland vs Brazil – June 24, 2200 GMT

Morocco vs Haiti – June 24, 2200 GMT

GROUP D

United States

The United States returns as co-hosts, opening against Paraguay. Christian Pulisic leads the squad as the U.S. seeks a deep tournament run.

Paraguay

Paraguay qualified after a strong late surge, including key wins over Brazil and Argentina. Coach Gustavo Alfaro emphasizes resilience and mental strength.

Australia

Australia continues its tradition of competitive performances, reaching recent knockout stages in successive tournaments. Rising talents headline a young squad.

Turkey

Turkey returns to the World Cup for the first time in 24 years, led by Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Arda Güler.

Group D Fixtures

United States vs Paraguay – June 13, 0100 GMT

Australia vs Turkey – June 14, 0400 GMT

United States vs Australia – June 19, 1900 GMT

Turkey vs Paraguay – June 20, 0300 GMT

Turkey vs United States – June 26, 0200 GMT

Paraguay vs Australia – June 26, 0200 GMT

GROUP E

Germany

Germany qualified strongly under Julian Nagelsmann. Veterans like Manuel Neuer and rising stars Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala lead the squad.

Curaçao

Curaçao becomes the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup. Coach Dick Advocaat leads the debutants.

Ecuador

Ecuador finished second in a tough South American qualifying group, showing strong defensive form.

Côte d’Ivoire

Ivory Coast qualified unbeaten in African qualifying, with a perfect defensive record.

Group E Fixtures

Germany vs Curaçao – June 14, 1700 GMT

Ivory Coast vs Ecuador – June 14, 2300 GMT

Germany vs Ivory Coast – June 20, 2000 GMT

Ecuador vs Curaçao – June 21, 0000 GMT

Curaçao vs Ivory Coast – June 25, 2000 GMT

Ecuador vs Germany – June 25, 2000 GMT

GROUP F

Netherlands

The Netherlands qualified comfortably, led by Memphis Depay and captain Virgil van Dijk.

Japan

Japan qualified early and continues its strong World Cup consistency with key wins over top European teams in previous editions.

Sweden

Sweden qualified through the playoff route, led by Viktor Gyökeres.

Tunisia

Tunisia topped their qualifying group without conceding a goal, led by Aymen Dahmen and Hannibal Mejbri.

Group F Fixtures

Netherlands vs Japan – June 14, 2000 GMT

Sweden vs Tunisia – June 15, 0200 GMT

Netherlands vs Sweden – June 20, 1700 GMT

Tunisia vs Japan – June 21, 0400 GMT

Japan vs Sweden – June 25, 2300 GMT

Tunisia vs Netherlands – June 25, 2300 GMT

GROUP G

Iran

Iran qualified after topping their Asian group but continues to face political and logistical challenges.

New Zealand

New Zealand returns to the World Cup after 16 years, aiming for its first knockout-stage appearance.

Belgium

Belgium enters as group favorites, led by Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois.

Egypt

Egypt qualified unbeaten, led by Mohamed Salah.

Group G Fixtures

Belgium vs Egypt – June 15, 1900 GMT

Iran vs New Zealand – June 16, 0100 GMT

Belgium vs Iran – June 21, 1900 GMT

New Zealand vs Egypt – June 22, 0100 GMT

Egypt vs Iran – June 27, 0300 GMT

New Zealand vs Belgium – June 27, 0300 GMT

GROUP H

Spain

Spain enters as European champions and one of the tournament favorites.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde qualifies for its first-ever World Cup.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia returns for a third consecutive World Cup appearance.

Uruguay

Uruguay qualified after finishing fourth in South America.

Group H Fixtures

Spain vs Cape Verde – June 15, 1600 GMT

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay – June 15, 2200 GMT

Spain vs Saudi Arabia – June 21, 1600 GMT

Uruguay vs Cape Verde – June 21, 2200 GMT

Uruguay vs Spain – June 27, 0000 GMT

Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia – June 27, 0000 GMT

GROUP I

France

France enters as defending finalists and 2018 champions under Didier Deschamps.

Senegal

Senegal remains one of Africa’s strongest teams, led by Sadio Mané.

Iraq

Iraq returns to the World Cup after decades, aiming for its first points in the tournament.

Norway

Norway returns for the first time since 1998, led by Erling Haaland.

Group I Fixtures

France vs Senegal – June 16, 1900 GMT

Iraq vs Norway – June 16, 2200 GMT

France vs Iraq – June 22, 2100 GMT

Norway vs Senegal – June 23, 0000 GMT

Norway vs France – June 26, 1900 GMT

Senegal vs Iraq – June 26, 1900 GMT

GROUP J

Argentina

Argentina enters as defending champions, led by Lionel Messi and a strong supporting core.

Algeria

Algeria returns after 12 years, led by Riyad Mahrez.

Austria

Austria returns for the first time since 1998, led by David Alaba.

Jordan

Jordan makes its first-ever World Cup appearance.

Group J Fixtures

Argentina vs Algeria – June 17, 0100 GMT

Austria vs Jordan – June 17, 0400 GMT

Argentina vs Austria – June 22, 1700 GMT

Jordan vs Algeria – June 23, 0300 GMT

Algeria vs Austria – June 28, 0200 GMT

Jordan vs Argentina – June 28, 0200 GMT

GROUP K

Portugal

Portugal is led by Cristiano Ronaldo in his final World Cup appearance.

DR Congo

DR Congo returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1974.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan makes its historic World Cup debut under Fabio Cannavaro.

Colombia

Colombia returns after missing the previous tournament, led by Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez.

Group K Fixtures

Portugal vs DR Congo – June 17, 1700 GMT

Uzbekistan vs Colombia – June 18, 0200 GMT

Portugal vs Uzbekistan – June 23, 1700 GMT

Colombia vs DR Congo – June 24, 0200 GMT

Colombia vs Portugal – June 27, 2330 GMT

DR Congo vs Uzbekistan – June 27, 2330 GMT

GROUP L

England

England qualified unbeaten without conceding a goal and aim to end their long title drought since 1966.

Croatia

Croatia continues its strong tournament legacy under Luka Modrić.

Ghana

Ghana returns for its fifth World Cup appearance.

Panama

Panama seeks its first World Cup win.

Group L Fixtures

England vs Croatia – June 17, 2000 GMT

Ghana vs Panama – June 17, 2300 GMT

England vs Ghana – June 23, 2000 GMT

Panama vs Croatia – June 23, 2300 GMT

Panama vs England – June 27, 2100 GMT

Croatia vs Ghana – June 27, 2100 GMT -Reporting by Jesus Calero, Danny Callaghan, Basile Day, Paolo Laudani, Sacha Malgeri, Mirko Miorelli, Mateusz Rabiega, Enrico Sciacovelli, Romolo Tosiani and Tristan Veyet in Gdansk, editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak/Reuters