World Cup 2026 group preview: 12 groups, favourites and dark horses
All twelve groups at the 2026 World Cup, ranked by who is favoured to advance and who is the dark horse. One short read per group.
The 2026 World Cup format is 48 teams in 12 groups of four. The top two from each group advance to the knockout round, plus the eight best third-placed sides. Here is a quick read on every group.
Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Czechia
The co-hosts are nominal favourites but Mexico has been inconsistent over the last two cycles. South Korea, led by Son Heung-min, is a serious second seed. South Africa and Czechia close the group; the dark horse is Czechia, capable of taking a point off the Koreans.
Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The second co-host has home crowds and the Davies–David generation. Switzerland is even and experienced — the favourite for top spot. Bosnia is the dark horse with Džeko and Pjanić (if both make the squad). Qatar arrives without home advantage after a poor 2022.
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
Brazil is the unambiguous favourite. Morocco, after the 2022 semi-final, plays second seed but can push the Brazilians. Scotland's first World Cup since 1998. Haiti is the outsider, banking on a single result.
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye
The US co-host has another manageable draw and should progress. Türkiye and Australia fight for second; both are stronger than Paraguay. The dark horse is Türkiye with Çalhanoğlu and Güler.
Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curaçao
Germany is the clear favourite. Ecuador consistently makes it through groups. Ivory Coast, the reigning African champions, is a real second-place candidate. Curaçao, the smallest nation in World Cup history, is the outsider.
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Sweden
The Netherlands is the favourite, but only just. Japan, after the 2022 round of 16 and with Kamada and Mitoma, is a serious second seed. Sweden returns after a failed cycle; Tunisia is the dark horse on African discipline.
Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand
Belgium with the De Bruyne–Doku generation is the favourite. Iran and Egypt — with Mohamed Salah — both contest second, and their head-to-head is decisive. New Zealand is the outsider.
Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
Spain, the European champion, is the main favourite. Uruguay under Bielsa is a strong second. Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde fight for third place and a path through the best third-placed teams.
Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq
The group of death. France is the favourite, but Norway — with Haaland and Ødegaard, in their first World Cup since 1998 — is here for a real result. Senegal is the previous African champion. Iraq is the outsider, but capable of upsetting anyone.
Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan
The reigning world champions, with Messi at his final tournament. Austria with Arnautović and Sabitzer is a steady second. Algeria returns after a poor cycle. Jordan is the debutant.
Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, DR Congo
Portugal — symbolically led by Ronaldo but built around Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes — is the favourite. Colombia with James and Díaz is a solid second seed. Uzbekistan plays its first tournament; DR Congo is the dark horse on African physicality.
Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana
England is the favourite. Croatia with Modrić for a final time is the experienced second seed. Ghana is back after the 2022 disaster. Panama is the outsider.
The group stage runs from 11 to 27 June 2026. Knockouts begin on 29 June, with the final on 19 July at MetLife Stadium near New York.
