Sports · 7 December 2025

FIFA World Cup 2026 draw completes group stage lineup

Exam-focused facts from the 7 December 2025 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

  • The draw placed 42 qualified teams and 22 play-off contenders into 12 groups for the expanded 48-team tournament.
  • Hosts Canada, Mexico and USA were drawn into Groups B, A and D respectively.
  • Curacao, the smallest nation ever to qualify, will face Germany in Group E.
  • Group L contains England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama; Group I features France, Senegal, Norway and a play-off winner.
  • The tournament opener on 11 June 2026 will see Mexico play South Africa in Mexico City.
  • The final will be held on 19 July 2026 in New Jersey.

View this story in the full daily briefing

Earlier coverage selected by topic similarity to help connect developments over time.