by Matthew Robley

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been completed, giving fans their first look at the matchups for perhaps the most anticipated (and the largest) World Cup in history. For the first time, the tournament will feature 48 teams, expanding from the traditional 32-team format.

The new format consists of 12 groups of four (48 teams in all) instead of 24 or 32 teams as in all of the past World Cups from 1986-2022. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time three nations have co-hosted the event. During the draw, many celebrities and politicians were present such as U.S president Donald Trump, President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The U.S. were drawn into group D, which also includes Australia, Paraguay, and the winner of UEFA Playoffs C (Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, and Kosovo). Mexico was drawn into group A, which also includes South Africa, South Korea, and the winner of UEFA Playoffs D (Denmark, North Macedonia, Czechia, Ireland). And lastly, Canada was drawn into group B which also includes, Switzerland, Qatar, and the winner of UEFA Playoffs A (Italy, Northern Ireland, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Wales).

World Cup play kicks off on June 11th.