The 2026 World Cup draw for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico was an event very much in danger of losing sight of its true purpose. Across the 120-minute spectacle, US President Donald Trump won a FIFA Peace Prize, German supermodel Heidi Klum and co-host Kevin Hart navigated a number of awkward exchanges and FIFA President Gianni Infantino called FIFA “the official happiness provider for humanity.”England start World Cup against Croatia, Scotland to face Brazil.The WorldThe World Cup has been increased from 32 to 48 teams for 2026.
England will begin their World Cup 2026 campaign against Croatia, while Scotland have been drawn alongside Brazil at next summer’s tournament.
England will open their tournament in Dallas or Toronto on Wednesday, 17 June, before also facing Ghana and Panama in Group L.
Scotland’s first match at the men’s World Cup for 28 years will be against Haiti on Saturday, 13 June, in Boston or New York, followed by matches against Morocco and Brazil in Group C.
Wales or Northern Ireland would join Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B, should either come through two rounds of Uefa play-off matches in March.
The Republic of Ireland could meet Mexico, South Africa and South Korea if they qualify.
The first-ever 48-team World Cup will be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States between 11 June and 19 July 2026.
Just shy of 90 minutes into the event, the actual business of the day began. With North American sports stars Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Shaquille O’Neal and Aaron Judge completing the draw, the football dreams of nations across the world became more tangible.
Germany were drawn in Group E with Ecuador, 2023 African Cup of Nations winners Cote d’Ivoire and debutants Curacao, who will be Germany’s first opponents on June 14 in either Houston or Philadelphia. If Germany win their group, they may face France in the Round of 16.
“It’s not a super easy group, but it’s a doable one, and we want to come out on top,” Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann told ZDF afterwards. Speaking to MagentaTV, Nagelsmann later added: “It’s good that we’re being challenged. That you don’t have three easy opponents, that you have to push yourself and go to your limits.”https://p.dw.com/p/54fZf
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World Cup 2026 draw: Germany get Curacao, Trump wins prize
Jonathan Harding
6 hours ago6 hours ago
US President Donald Trump was awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup draw, as the groups for the tournament were selected.
https://p.dw.com/p/54fZf
Trump, Sheinbaum and Carney with Infantino in Washington
The draw began with Donald Trump, Claudia Sheinbaum and Mark CarneyImage: Dan Mullan/REUTERS
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The 2026 World Cup draw for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico was an event very much in danger of losing sight of its true purpose. Across the 120-minute spectacle, US President Donald Trump won a FIFA Peace Prize, German supermodel Heidi Klum and co-host Kevin Hart navigated a number of awkward exchanges and FIFA President Gianni Infantino called FIFA “the official happiness provider for humanity.”
Just shy of 90 minutes into the event, the actual business of the day began. With North American sports stars Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Shaquille O’Neal and Aaron Judge completing the draw, the football dreams of nations across the world became more tangible.
Germany were drawn in Group E with Ecuador, 2023 African Cup of Nations winners Cote d’Ivoire and debutants Curacao, who will be Germany’s first opponents on June 14 in either Houston or Philadelphia. If Germany win their group, they may face France in the Round of 16.
“It’s not a super easy group, but it’s a doable one, and we want to come out on top,” Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann told ZDF afterwards. Speaking to MagentaTV, Nagelsmann later added: “It’s good that we’re being challenged. That you don’t have three easy opponents, that you have to push yourself and go to your limits.”
Tom Brady draws Germany at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington D.C.Tom Brady draws Germany at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington D.C.
Tom Brady drew Germany into Group E with Curacao, Cote d’Ivoire and EcuadorImage: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images
Some draw highlights
Defending champions Argentina will face Ralf Rangnick’s Austria, Algeria and debutants Jordan in Group J.
France are in Group I with Senegal, Norway and playoff winner two (Iraq, Bolivia or Suriname).
Thomas Tuchel’s England are in Group L with Croatia, Panama and Ghana.
Iran, whose confederation reversed a decision to boycott the draw as a result of visa issues, were drawn with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in Group G.
The 2026 World Cup opening game will be Mexico against South Africa on June
World Cup 2026 draw: Germany get Curacao, Trump wins prize
Jonathan Harding
6 hours ago6 hours ago
US President Donald Trump was awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup draw, as the groups for the tournament were selected.
https://p.dw.com/p/54fZf
Trump, Sheinbaum and Carney with Infantino in Washington
The draw began with Donald Trump, Claudia Sheinbaum and Mark CarneyImage: Dan Mullan/REUTERS
Advertisement
The 2026 World Cup draw for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico was an event very much in danger of losing sight of its true purpose. Across the 120-minute spectacle, US President Donald Trump won a FIFA Peace Prize, German supermodel Heidi Klum and co-host Kevin Hart navigated a number of awkward exchanges and FIFA President Gianni Infantino called FIFA “the official happiness provider for humanity.”
Just shy of 90 minutes into the event, the actual business of the day began. With North American sports stars Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Shaquille O’Neal and Aaron Judge completing the draw, the football dreams of nations across the world became more tangible.
Germany were drawn in Group E with Ecuador, 2023 African Cup of Nations winners Cote d’Ivoire and debutants Curacao, who will be Germany’s first opponents on June 14 in either Houston or Philadelphia. If Germany win their group, they may face France in the Round of 16.
“It’s not a super easy group, but it’s a doable one, and we want to come out on top,” Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann told ZDF afterwards. Speaking to MagentaTV, Nagelsmann later added: “It’s good that we’re being challenged. That you don’t have three easy opponents, that you have to push yourself and go to your limits.”
Tom Brady draws Germany at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington D.C.Tom Brady draws Germany at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington D.C.
Tom Brady drew Germany into Group E with Curacao, Cote d’Ivoire and EcuadorImage: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images
Some draw highlights
Defending champions Argentina will face Ralf Rangnick’s Austria, Algeria and debutants Jordan in Group J.
France are in Group I with Senegal, Norway and playoff winner two (Iraq, Bolivia or Suriname).
Thomas Tuchel’s England are in Group L with Croatia, Panama and Ghana.
Iran, whose confederation reversed a decision to boycott the draw as a result of visa issues, were drawn with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in Group G.
The 2026 World Cup opening game will be Mexico against South Africa on June 11.
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Infantino, Trump and a peace prize
Amidst the performances and montages, the early part of the show was dominated by Trump receiving the FIFA Peace Prize.
In a lengthy video, the FIFA Peace Prize was explained as an award given to an “individual who has taken extraordinary action for peace.” It was “presented on behalf of the billions of people who love the game and want peace” and honored “a dynamic leader who has championed the unifiying power of football on the world stage.”
Infantino handed Trump the large gold award and put a medal around his neck in recognition of his “exceptional and extraordinary actions” in helping bring peace around the world.
Infantino said Trump definitely deserved the first prize, saying the US president could “always count on the support of the soccer community.”
Trump said it was “such an honor to be with Gianni” and that the FIFA president had done “an incredible job.” In a short speech, Trump finished by calling America “the hottest place in the world and we are going to keep it that way.”
