World Cup 2026: every group ranked from toughest to easiest
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and for the first time, 48 teams will be competing across 12 groups.
The top two from each group progress alongside the eight best third-placed sides. Before diving into the World Cup odds, it helps to know which teams have landed soft draws and which ones are in for a fight from the off. Here’s every group ranked from toughest to easiest.
The hardest groups
Group I is the toughest draw in the tournament and the one most worth studying if you regularly bet on football. France, Norway, Senegal, and Iraq, meaning one of the world’s best sides will go home early.
France were world champions in 2018 and finalists in 2022. Senegal are African champions and arrived in strong form. Norway have Erling Haaland. All three sides are capable of reaching the knockouts, which means one of them will not make it.
Group L gives England a genuine test. Croatia reached the final in 2018 and the semi-finals in 2022, and remain a serious side built around Luka Modric. Ghana carry enough quality from European leagues to cause problems. England have the talent to get through, but this is not a group they can take lightly.
Group C puts Brazil and Morocco in the same pool, arguably the two best-matched teams from pots 1 and 2 anywhere in the draw. Brazil, who have won the World Cup a record five times, struggled through qualifying, but Carlo Ancelotti has had time to settle as manager. Morocco reached the semi-finals in Qatar and will not be caught off guard again. Scotland return to a World Cup for the first time since 1998 and will compete hard. The real issue here is that whoever finishes second faces a harder path through the knockouts.
The mid groups
Group E is uncomfortable for Germany. Ecuador finished second in South American qualifying and are organised and physical. Ivory Coast, winners of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023, arrive with quality throughout the squad. Germany are no longer the dominant force of a decade ago, and Julian Nagelsmann needs his side sharp from the start.
Group B contains Canada, Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Qatar. The hosts are favourites to top the group, though their hopes hinge on Alphonso Davies being fit. Switzerland are the likeliest challengers, bringing the kind of defensive solidity that makes them difficult to beat. Bosnia and Herzegovina arrive with momentum after stunning Italy in the playoffs, and Qatar, while they are the group’s weakest side on paper, they have tournament experience from hosting the last World Cup.
Worst group of all time at a major tournament?? https://t.co/nCHr6HH1jS
— Matthew (@KingDivock3) April 1, 2026
Group A gives Mexico the advantage of playing in Mexico City and Guadalajara, where the altitude and heat regularly catch visiting teams out. South Korea have Son Heung-min and are always competitive. Czechia may be a threat to some teams, but they are unlikely to finish in the top two. Mexico have failed to get past the group stage at the last two World Cups and will be desperate to put that right.
Group H looks comfortable for Spain, but Uruguay are not to be underestimated. Frederico Valverde and Ronald Araujo bring real quality, and they tend to grind out results in big tournaments. Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde will find it difficult to collect points at this level.
The easier groups
Group K is very manageable for Portugal. Colombia have Luis Diaz and are improving, but Uzbekistan and DR Congo represent the kind of opposition a squad of Portugal’s quality should handle. This is Cristiano Ronaldo’s last World Cup, and the group stage should not stand in his way.
Group J is a kind draw for defending champions Argentina. Algeria and Austria will compete for second place, and Jordan will find it difficult. Argentina famously lost their opener in Qatar before going on to win the tournament, so Lionel Messi’s side will not be complacent.
Group D sets up well for the United States on home soil. Turkey, Australia and Paraguay all represent winnable games for a side that will have the crowd behind them at venues like SoFi Stadium, and this remains a group the hosts are firmly expected to win.
Group G should be straightforward for Belgium. Egypt have Mohamed Salah and cannot be ignored, but Iran and New Zealand are a step behind the top two. With Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku available, Belgium have no excuses in this group.
Group F is the kindest draw in the tournament for the Netherlands. Japan are disciplined and will push them, but Tunisia and Sweden are very manageable. The Dutch have the platform they need to build real momentum heading into the knockouts.