Top Contenders to Win Each Group in the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup will feature 12 groups, 48 teams, and 72 matches, making the group stage larger and more intense than ever before. Hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this event will showcase teams from all six continental federations competing on a grand scale. Some nations are newcomers while others are traditional powerhouses, setting the stage for a mix of upsets and fierce competition.

Only a third of these teams will be eliminated after the group stage, but finishing first in a group means a potentially easier opponent in the round of 32. Here is a breakdown of who is expected to top each group according to expert analysis.

Group A: Mexico

Teams: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Czechia

Mexico benefits from being one of the host countries, automatically placed in Pot 1 despite a FIFA ranking of 15th. This positioning helps them avoid the strongest opponents early on. South Korea and Czechia will provide challenges, while South Africa could surprise some, but Mexico, buoyed by home support, is the favorite to lead this group.

Group B: Switzerland

Teams: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Canada shares the advantage of being a host nation with Pot 1 placement but may struggle to secure first place despite a strong chance of advancing. Switzerland appears poised to claim the top spot in what looks like the weakest group overall. Their experience and squad depth give them an edge over Qatar and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Group C: Brazil

Teams: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti

Brazil is widely expected to finish first in Group C, though Morocco, ranked eighth globally and semifinalists in 2022, might challenge them closely. Scotland and Haiti are unlikely to disrupt the dominance of these two leading teams.

Group D: United States

Teams: United States, Australia, Paraguay, Türkiye

The U.S., hosting again and led by Mauricio Pochettino, has high expectations and a favorable Pot 1 spot. Türkiye’s youthful and talented squad stands as their main rival for first place. Australia and Paraguay should not be overlooked, promising a competitive fight for the top spot.

Group E: Germany

Teams: Germany, Ecuador, Côte d'Ivoire, Curaçao

Germany has fallen short of its former glory since 2014 but should still dominate this group easily. Ecuador impressed during qualifying and might cause some trouble. Côte d'Ivoire no longer holds the power it once did, and debutants Curaçao are unlikely to make much impact.

Group F: Netherlands

Teams: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Sweden

This group promises tight competition. The Netherlands is the favorite due to its talent and squad depth, but Japan, fresh from a win against England, could pull off surprises as they did in 2022. Sweden offers strong attacking options, and Tunisia also has the potential to cause an upset.

Group G: Belgium

Teams: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

Belgium’s golden generation has mostly moved on, leaving key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois as leaders. Defensive weaknesses remain. Egypt is the closest challenger, while Iran's participation is uncertain. New Zealand is expected to struggle against these teams.

Group H: Spain

Teams: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde

Spain faces its main competition from Uruguay, coached by Marcelo Bielsa, known for upsetting strong opponents. Saudi Arabia and debutant Cape Verde, who surprisingly beat Argentina in 2022, will round out the group. Spain’s battle with Uruguay will likely decide who leads.

Group I: France

Teams: France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq

Often called the 'Group of Death,' Group I features France, a favorite to win the tournament, alongside strong contenders Senegal and Norway. Iraq is expected to face heavy defeats, but the contests among the top three promise excitement. France should emerge on top despite the tough challenge.

Group J: Argentina

Teams: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan

Argentina is heavily favored to win this group as defending champions with a superior squad. Austria and Algeria will compete mainly for second place. Jordan, making its World Cup debut, might face a harsh introduction at this level.

Group K: Portugal

Teams: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, DR Congo

This group is less straightforward. Portugal and Colombia are both serious contenders, with their head-to-head clash likely deciding the group winner. Uzbekistan and DR Congo may offer more resistance than expected but are seen as outsiders for first place.

Group L: England

Teams: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana

England and Croatia, close in FIFA rankings and 2018 semifinalists, will battle fiercely for the top spot. England, under Thomas Tuchel, is favored but must overcome rising teams Panama and unpredictable Ghana to secure first place.