World Cup 2026 group stage guide: fixtures, results and standings for all 48 teams

The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a historic expansion of the tournament, with 48 nations competing across 12 groups for the first time. The top two sides in each group will advance to the competition’s first-ever round of 32, joined by the eight best third-placed finishers — meaning as few as three points could be enough for some teams to progress.

Co-hosts Mexico, USA and Canada are the top seeds in Groups A, B and D respectively. Scotland find themselves in Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco and Haiti, while England are placed in Group L with Croatia, Ghana and Panama.

The tournament opened at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium, a venue steeped in World Cup history. It was the stage for Diego Maradona’s most famous and infamous goals against England at the 1986 tournament, and has hosted two iconic finals: Brazil’s 4-1 victory over Italy in 1970 — sealed by Carlos Alberto’s celebrated team goal — and Argentina’s 3-2 win over West Germany in 1986, where Jorge Burruchaga struck the winner in the 84th minute.

Across the three host nations, Mexico and Canada will each stage 13 matches, while the United States will host 78. From the quarter-finals onwards, all remaining games will be played on US soil, with the final set for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The expanded format brings the total number of matches to 104, up from 64 at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The tournament is also expected to serve as the final World Cup appearance for both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, with the two all-time greats likely making their last appearances on football’s biggest stage.

Among the leading contenders, defending champions Argentina, along with England, France and Spain, are widely regarded as the sides most capable of lifting the trophy when the final is played in New Jersey.