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2026 FIFA World Cup 48-Country Ultimate Guide: Every Team and Every Group-Stage Matchup

Joe Cervenka

Host · Writer

Have Your Say! What are Your 2026 FIFA World Cup Predictions?
Who is Your 2026 World Cup Champion?

We are looking at 48 teams, three host nations, and a summer that is going to be absolute mayhem on the pitch. From the high-altitude pressure of Mexico City to the bright lights of Los Angeles and the final showdown in New York/New Jersey, the stage is set for the biggest sporting event in human history. Whether you’re riding with the favorites like France and Brazil or looking for that massive payout on a sleeper like Japan or Morocco, there’s no such thing as a safe bet in a tournament this size.
- The Big Question: Can a North American host actually pull off the impossible and keep the trophy on home soil?
- The Sleeper Pick: Which underdog is most likely to ruin everyone's bracket in the opening week?
- Your Turn: Let us know in the comments, who do you have lifting the trophy on July 19th?
2026 World Cup Guide: Odds & Schedule for All 48 Teams
The road to the largest World Cup in history is officially paved. With 48 teams descending upon North America, the 2026 tournament is going to be a marathon of world-class soccer.

From the historic Estadio Azteca to the glimmering lights of Los Angeles, here is the ultimate 48-country guide and each team's schedule for the beautiful game.
PANAMA
Group L

Panama has become a consistent force in CONCACAF and is looking to translate that to the world stage. They are a physical, experienced side that knows how to survive tournament football.
- World Cup Winner: +50000
- Group Winner: +2200
- To Qualify: +220
Match Schedule:
- June 17: vs. Ghana (Toronto)
- June 23: vs. Croatia (Toronto)
- June 27: vs. England (New York/NJ)
GHANA
Group L

The Black Stars bring speed and a high-pressure game that can rattle the European powers. Ghana will be looking for revenge against their group rivals in what should be a heated Group L.
- World Cup Winner: +22500
- Group Winner: +1000
- To Qualify: -165
Match Schedule:
- June 17: vs. Panama (Toronto)
- June 23: vs. England (Boston)
- June 27: vs. Croatia (Philadelphia)
CROATIA
Group L

Croatia is the ultimate tournament team, possessing a midfield that can control the tempo of any match. They’ve proven time and again that you can never count them out.
- World Cup Winner: +8000
- Group Winner: +400
- To Qualify: -450
Match Schedule:
- June 17: vs. England (Dallas)
- June 22: vs. Panama (Toronto)
- June 27: vs. Ghana (Philadelphia
ENGLAND
Group L

Is it finally coming home? England has arguably their best squad in decades and will be looking to dominate from the opening whistle in Dallas.
- World Cup Winner: +650
- Group Winner: -240
- To Qualify: -7000
Match Schedule:
- June 17: vs. Croatia (Dallas)
- June 23: vs. Ghana (Boston)
- June 27: vs. Panama (New York/NJ)
COLOMBIA
Group K

The Cafeteros are back, and Colombia will bring one of the best atmospheres in the tournament. They have a history of playing beautiful, attacking football that wins over neutral fans.
- World Cup Winner: +4000
- Group Winner: +210
- To Qualify: -650
Match Schedule:
- June 17: vs. Uzbekistan (Mexico City)
- June 23: vs. DR Congo (Guadalajara)
- June 27: vs. Portugal (Miami)
UZBEKISTAN
Group K

Uzbekistan has been knocking on the door of the World Cup for years and finally made it. They are a disciplined, hardworking side that won't give an inch to their more famous opponents.
- World Cup Winner: +50000
- Group Winner: +2200
- To Qualify: +200
Match Schedule:
- June 17: vs. Colombia (Mexico City)
- June 23: vs. Portugal (Houston)
- June 27: vs. DR Congo (Atlanta)
DR CONGO
Group K

DR Congo is back in the tournament and brings a flair and athleticism that can catch teams off-guard. They’ll be looking to fight for a knockout spot in a wide-open Group K.
- World Cup Winner: +40000
- Group Winner: +1300
- To Qualify: -1400
Match Schedule:
- June 17: vs. Portugal (Houston)
- June 23: vs. Colombia (Guadalajara)
- June 27: vs. Uzbekistan (Atlanta)
PORTUGAL
Group K

Portugal has moved into a new era with a roster that is stacked with elite talent at every single position. They are many people's pick to win the whole thing in 2026.
- World Cup Winner: +1100
- Group Winner: -180
- To Qualify: -7000
Match Schedule:
- June 17: vs. DR Congo (Houston)
- June 23: vs. Uzbekistan (Houston)
- June 27: vs. Colombia ( Miami)
JORDAN
Group J

Jordan is making their tournament debut and will be looking to enjoy every second of the experience. They are a hardworking group that will leave everything on the pitch in Dallas.
- World Cup Winner: +50000
- Group Winner: +5500
- To Qualify: +260
Match Schedule:
- June 16: vs. Austria (San Francisco)
- June 22: vs. Algeria (San Francisco)
- June 27: vs. Argentina (Dallas)
AUSTRIA
Group J

Austria plays a high-pressing, intense style of football that modern fans love. They’ll be looking to disrupt Argentina’s rhythm and force mistakes in the back.
- World Cup Winner: +10000
- Group Winner: +400
- To Qualify: -450
Match Schedule:
- June 16: vs. Jordan (San Francisco)
- June 22: vs. Argentina (Dallas)
- June 27: vs. Algeria (Kansas City)
ALGERIA
Group J

Algeria is a technical side that can be a nightmare to deal with in the midfield. They’ll be looking to secure that second spot in Group J with their crafty playmaking.
- World Cup Winner: +25000
- Group Winner: +700
- To Qualify: -310
Match Schedule:
- June 16: vs. Argentina (Kansas City)
- June 22: vs. Jordan (San Francisco)
- June 27: vs. Austria (Kansas City)
ARGENTINA
Group J

The defending champions are back for one more dance, and Argentina looks as dangerous as ever. They have a perfect blend of legendary experience and hungry young talent.
- World Cup Winner: +850
- Group Winner: -250
- To Qualify: -7000
Match Schedule:
- June 16: vs. Algeria (Kansas City)
- June 22: vs. Austria (Dallas)
- June 27: vs. Jordan (Dallas)
NORWAY
Group I

With the world's best pure goalscorer in their ranks in Erling Haaland, Norway is a threat to score on anyone. They’ll be looking to ride their generational superstar all the way to the knockout rounds.
- World Cup Winner: +2200
- Group Winner: +250
- To Qualify: -660
Match Schedule:
- June 16: vs. Iraq (Foxborough)
- June 22: vs. Senegal (New York/NJ)
- June 26: vs. France (Foxborough)
IRAQ
Group I

Iraq is back on the world stage and will have massive support from the global diaspora. They play an emotional, high-energy style that can be hard to contain in a tournament format.
- World Cup Winner: +50000
- Group Winner: +4500
- To Qualify: +350
Match Schedule:
- June 16: vs. Norway (Foxborough)
- June 22: vs. France (Philadelphia)
- June 26: vs. Senegal (Toronto)
SENEGAL
Group I

Senegal remains the powerhouse of African football, possessing a roster that can match the physicality of any team in the world. They will be a big test for France in the group stage.
- World Cup Winner: +8000
- Group Winner: +750
- To Qualify: -230
Match Schedule:
- June 16: vs. France (New York/NJ)
- June 22: vs. Norway (New York/NJ)
- June 26: vs. Iraq (Toronto)
FRANCE
Group I

Les Bleus are a literal factory of superstars, and France is the heavy favorite to win the whole thing. With Kylian Mbappe leading the line, they are almost impossible to stop.
- World Cup Winner: +470
- Group Winner: -180
- To Qualify: -7000
Match Schedule:
- June 16: vs. Senegal (New York/NJ)
- June 22: vs. Iraq (Philadelphia)
- June 26: vs. Norway (Foxborough)
URUGUAY
Group H

Uruguay is a small nation with a massive footballing soul, and they are always a threat to the world's elite. They bring a mix of Garra Charrua grit and world-class attacking talent.
- World Cup Winner: +6500
- Group Winner: +400
- To Qualify: -800
Match Schedule:
- June 15: vs. Saudi Arabia (Miami)
- June 21: vs. Cape Verde (Miami)
- June 26: vs. Spain (Guadalajara)
SAUDI ARABIA
Group H

Saudi Arabia shocked the world by beating the eventual champs in 2022, and they’re looking for more magic. They are a well-drilled unit that thrives on tactical execution.
- World Cup Winner: +50000
- Group Winner: +1900
- To Qualify: -125
Match Schedule:
- June 15: vs. Uruguay (Miami)
- June 21: vs. Spain (Atlanta)
- June 26: vs. Cape Verde (Houston)
CAPE VERDE
Group H

Cape Verde is making their tournament debut and will be the ultimate neutral's favorite. They play with a technical flair that belies their small population size.
- World Cup Winner: +100000
- Group Winner: +5500
- To Qualify: +190
Match Schedule:
- June 15: vs. Spain (Atlanta)
- June 21: vs. Uruguay (Miami)
- June 26: vs. Saudi Arabia (Houston)
SPAIN
Group H

La Roja continues to dominate through possession, and Spain is a heavy favorite to reach the final weekend. Their young stars are now seasoned veterans of the big stage.
- World Cup Winner: +430
- Group Winner: -310
- To Qualify: -7000
Match Schedule:
- June 15: vs. Cape Verde (Atlanta)
- June 21: vs. Saudi Arabia (Atlanta)
- June 26: vs. Uruguay (Guadalajara)
NEW ZEALAND
Group G

The All Whites are coming into Group G as the definitive underdogs, but New Zealand thrives when their backs are against the wall. They’ll be looking to keep things tight and physical, hoping that a bit of Kiwi magic in Vancouver can spark a historic upset.
- World Cup Winner: +50000
- Group Winner: +2200
- To Qualify from Group: +150
Match Schedule:
- June 15: vs. Iran (Los Angeles)
- June 21: vs. Belgium (Los Angeles)
- June 26: vs. Egypt (Vancouver)
IRAN
Group G

Iran is the ultimate tough out in tournament play, known for a defensive structure that is incredibly difficult to puncture. If they can snatch a win in their opener, they have a legitimate shot at jumping into the knockout rounds and ruining a few brackets along the way.
- World Cup Winner: +30000
- Group Winner: +600
- To Qualify from Group: -220
Match Schedule:
- June 15: vs. New Zealand (Los Angeles)
- June 21: vs. Belgium (Los Angeles)
- June 26: vs. Egypt (Seattle)
EGYPT
Group G

Egypt brings a lot of heart and high-level skill to the table, looking to secure that second qualification spot. The Pharaohs have the tactical discipline to grind out results, and they'll be leaning on their star power to carry them through the pressure-cooker matches in Seattle.
- World Cup Winner: +17500
- Group Winner: +490
- To Qualify from Group: -310
Match Schedule:
- June 15: vs. Belgium (Seattle)
- June 21: vs. New Zealand (Vancouver)
- June 26: vs. Iran (Seattle)
BELGIUM
Group G

The Red Devils might not have the Golden Generation label anymore, but Belgium is still a nightmare for any backline to deal with. They are the heavy favorites to waltz through this group, and anything less than a clean sweep will be a massive shock for the fans in Vancouver.
- World Cup Winner: +3000
- Group Winner: -250
- To Qualify from Group: -4000
Match Schedule:
- June 15: vs. Egypt (Seattle)
- June 21: vs. Iran (Los Angeles)
- June 26: vs. New Zealand (Vancouver)
SWEDEN
Group F

Sweden missed the last one and they are coming back with a vengeance. They bring a physical, organized style of play that serves as a great litmus test for the world's elite.
- World Cup Winner: +8000
- Group Winner: +400
- To Qualify: -230
Match Schedule:
- June 14: vs. Tunisia (Monterrey)
- June 20: vs. Netherlands (Houston)
- June 25: vs. Japan (Dallas)
TUNISIA
Group F

Tunisia is a tough out for anyone, relying on a compact defensive unit and the ability to capitalize on set pieces. They’ll be looking to grind out results in a very competitive Group F.
- World Cup Winner: +30000
- Group Winner: +1200
- To Qualify: +125
Match Schedule:
- June 14: vs. Sweden (Monterrey)
- June 20: vs. Japan (Monterrey)
- June 25: vs. Netherlands (Kansas City)
JAPAN
Group F

The Samurai Blue are the ultimate giant-killers, and Japan plays with a discipline and speed that is terrifying on the counter. Don't be surprised if they top this group.
- World Cup Winner: +5500
- Group Winner: +260
- To Qualify: -310
Match Schedule:
- June 14: vs. Netherlands (Dallas)
- June 21: vs. Tunisia (Monterrey)
- June 25: vs. Sweden (Dallas)
NETHERLANDS
Group F

The Oranje are bringing their Total Football philosophy to North America, and the Netherlands is always a threat for a deep run. They have some of the best defenders in the world and a clinical attack.
- World Cup Winner: +1900
- Group Winner: -120
- To Qualify: -800
Match Schedule:
- June 14: vs. Japan (Dallas)
- June 20: vs. Sweden (Houston)
- June 25: vs. Tunisia (Kansas City)
ECUADOR
Group E

Ecuador plays with a pace and intensity that can overwhelm teams that aren't ready for a track meet. They’ve proven they can hang with the world’s best in South American qualifying.
- World Cup Winner: +8000
- Group Winner: +310
- To Qualify: -1500
Match Schedule:
- June 14: vs. Ivory Coast (Philadelphia)
- June 20: vs. Curacao (Kansas City)
- June 25: vs. Germany (New York/NJ)
IVORY COAST
Group E

Ivory Coast is back with a roster full of European-based stars and a physical presence that few can match. They are one of the biggest threats to Germany’s dominance in this group.
- World Cup Winner: +17500
- Group Winner: +500
- To Qualify: -600
Match Schedule:
- June 14: vs. Ecuador (Philadelphia)
- June 20: vs. Germany (Toronto)
- June 25: vs. Curacao (Philadelphia)
CURACAO
Group E

Curacao is the Cinderella of Group E, making a historic run to the big show. They face a Group of Death scenario but will be playing for pride and a potential shock result in Houston.
- World Cup Winner: +50000
- Group Winner: +10000
- To Qualify: +1000
Match Schedule:
- June 14: vs. Germany (Houston)
- June 20: vs. Ecuador (Kansas City)
- June 25: vs. Ivory Coast (Philadelphia)
GERMANY
Group E

Die Mannschaft is looking for redemption after some lean years, and Germany is still a tactical powerhouse. They bring a mix of veteran leadership and young stars ready to dominate the midfield.
- World Cup Winner: +1100
- Group Winner: -210
- To Qualify: -7000
Match Schedule:
- June 14: vs. Curacao (Houston)
- June 20: vs. Ivory Coast (Toronto)
- June 25: vs. Ecuador (New York/NJ)
TURKIYE
Group D

Turkiye could make some noise in Group D, possessing the technical skill to dominate possession. Their matches are always high-drama affairs, and they’ll have a massive following in Los Angeles.
- World Cup Winner: +8000
- Group Winner: +230
- To Qualify: -280
Match Schedule:
- June 12: vs. Australia (Vancouver)
- June 19: vs. Paraguay (Santa Clara)
- June 25: vs. USA (Inglewood)
AUSTRALIA
Group D

The Socceroos are masters of the never-say-die attitude, and Australia consistently punches above its weight class. They’ll be looking to spoil the USA’s homecoming in Seattle.
- World Cup Winner: +30000
- Group Winner: +1000
- To Qualify: -110
Match Schedule:
- June 13: vs. Turkiye (Vancouver)
- June 19: vs. USA (Seattle)
- June 25: vs. Paraguay (Santa Clara)
PARAGUAY
Group D

Paraguay thrives on being the uncomfortable opponent that nobody wants to play. They sit deep, defend for their lives, and look to break hearts on the counter-attack.
- World Cup Winner: +10000
- Group Winner: +310
- To Qualify: -260
Match Schedule:
- June 12: vs. USA (Inglewood)
- June 19: vs. Turkiye (Santa Clara)
- June 25: vs. Australia (Santa Clara)
USA
Group D

The Golden Generation is all grown up and ready for the world stage in their own backyard. This USA squad is fast, hungry, and ready to prove soccer has finally arrived stateside.
- World Cup Winner: +5500
- Group Winner: +105
- To Qualify: -650
Match Schedule:
- June 12: vs. Paraguay (Inglewood)
- June 19: vs. Australia (Seattle)
- June 25: vs. Turkiye (Inglewood)
SCOTLAND
Group C

The Tartan Army is invading the US, and Scotland will have some of the loudest fans in the stadium. On the pitch, they're gritty, physical, and ready to scrap for every single point in a tough Group C.
- World Cup Winner: +15000
- Group Winner: +1000
- To Qualify: -360
Match Schedule:
- June 13: vs. Haiti (Foxboro)
- June 19: vs. Morocco (Foxboro)
- June 24: vs. Brazil (Miami)
HAITI
Group C

Haiti is the ultimate underdog story of the tournament, making a historic appearance. They’ll play with massive heart and nothing to lose, hoping to snatch a result against the giants.
- World Cup Winner: +50000
- Group Winner: +10000
- To Qualify: +9500
Match Schedule:
- June 13: vs. Scotland (Foxboro)
- June 19: vs. Brazil (Philadelphia)
- June 24: vs. Morocco (Atlanta)
MOROCCO
Group C

The 2022 darlings are no longer a secret, and Morocco has the defensive structure to frustrate the best of 'em. Expect their fans to travel in droves and turn every East Coast venue into a home match.
- World Cup Winner: +4000
- Group Winner: +450
- To Qualify: -800
Match Schedule:
- June 13: vs. Brazil (New York/NJ)
- June 19: vs. Scotland (Foxboro)
- June 24: vs. Haiti (Atlanta)
BRAZIL
Group C

Joga Bonito is back, and Brazil is the group's betting favorite for a reason. When this team clicks, they don't just win matches; they put on a clinic that the world can't look away from.
- World Cup Winner: +750
- Group Winner: -280
- To Qualify: -7000
Match Schedule:
- June 13: vs. Morocco (New York/NJ)
- June 19: vs. Haiti (Philadelphia)
- June 24: vs. Scotland (Miami)
SWITZERLAND
Group B

Switzerland is the definition of solid, almost always finding a way to advance to the knockout rounds. They are tactical masters who rarely make the mistakes that beat themselves.
- World Cup Winner: +6500
- Group Winner: +100
- To Qualify: -1100
Match Schedule:
- June 13: vs. Qatar (Santa Clara)
- June 18: vs. Bosnia (Inglewood)
- June 24: vs. Canada (Vancouver)
QATAR
Group B

Qatar has invested heavily in their national program and is looking to prove they belong on the world stage outside of their own host year. They play a technical, possession-based game that could surprise the heavy hitters.
- World Cup Winner: +50000
- Group Winner: +2200
- To Qualify: +200
Match Schedule:
- June 12: vs. Switzerland (Vancouver)
- June 18: vs. Canada (Vancouver)
- June 24: vs. Bosnia (Seattle)
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA
Group B

Bosnia is a gritty side that can frustrate even the best offenses with their structural discipline. They’ll be looking to play the role of spoiler in Toronto during the opening week.
- World Cup Winner: +30000
- Group Winner: +350
- To Qualify: -250
Match Schedule:
- June 12: vs. Canada (Toronto)
- June 18: vs. Switzerland (Inglewood)
- June 24: vs. Qatar (Seattle)
CANADA
Group B

The Great White North is finally a footballing powerhouse, and Canada isn't just here to participate. The health of Alphonso Davies (hamstring) leading up to group play remains the biggest concern. Either way, expect Toronto and Vancouver to be rocking.
- World Cup Winner: +15000
- Group Winner: +210
- To Qualify: -550
Match Schedule:
- June 12: vs. Bosnia (Toronto)
- June 18: vs. Qatar (Vancouver)
- June 24: vs. Switzerland (Vancouver)
CZECHIA
Group A

Czechia brings European discipline and physicality to a very diverse group. They’ll look to dominate the air and keep things tight in the back to spoil the party for the host nation.
- World Cup Winner: +17500
- Group Winner: +240
- To Qualify: -280
Match Schedule:
- June 11: vs. South Korea (Guadalajara)
- June 18: vs. South Africa (Atlanta)
- June 24: vs. Mexico (Mexico City)
SOUTH KOREA
Group A

South Korea is a perennial bracket-buster that never knows when to quit. Expect high energy and clinical counter-attacks from a squad that lives for the upset.
- World Cup Winner: +30000
- Group Winner: +330
- To Qualify: -250
Match Schedule:
- June 11: vs. Czechia (Guadalajara)
- June 18: vs. Mexico (Guadalajara)
- June 24: vs. South Africa (Monterrey)
SOUTH AFRICA
Group A

South Africa returns to the big stage looking to recapture the Bafana Bafana magic of 2010. They play a vibrant, athletic style, but escaping a group with the hosts will require a monumental effort.
- World Cup Winner: +50000
- Group Winner: +750
- To Qualify: +110
Match Schedule:
- June 11: vs. Mexico (Mexico City)
- June 18: vs. Czechia (Atlanta)
- June 24: vs. South Korea (Monterrey)
MEXICO
Group A

Mexico is ready to turn the Estadio Azteca into a fortress once again. They've got the talent and the home-field advantage to make a deep run that'll have the whole country buzzing.
- World Cup Winner: +6500
- Group Winner: -115
- To Qualify: -1500
Match Schedule:
- June 11: vs. South Africa (Mexico City)
- June 18: vs. South Korea (Guadalajara)
- June 24: vs. Czechia (Mexico City)
Have Your Say! What are Your 2026 FIFA World Cup Predictions?
Who is Your 2026 World Cup Champion?

We are looking at 48 teams, three host nations, and a summer that is going to be absolute mayhem on the pitch. From the high-altitude pressure of Mexico City to the bright lights of Los Angeles and the final showdown in New York/New Jersey, the stage is set for the biggest sporting event in human history. Whether you’re riding with the favorites like France and Brazil or looking for that massive payout on a sleeper like Japan or Morocco, there’s no such thing as a safe bet in a tournament this size.
- The Big Question: Can a North American host actually pull off the impossible and keep the trophy on home soil?
- The Sleeper Pick: Which underdog is most likely to ruin everyone's bracket in the opening week?
- Your Turn: Let us know in the comments, who do you have lifting the trophy on July 19th?
2026 World Cup Guide: Odds & Schedule for All 48 Teams
The road to the largest World Cup in history is officially paved. With 48 teams descending upon North America, the 2026 tournament is going to be a marathon of world-class soccer.

From the historic Estadio Azteca to the glimmering lights of Los Angeles, here is the ultimate 48-country guide and each team's schedule for the beautiful game.