FIFA held the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington DC on Friday. The event became historic because it marked the first draw for a 48-team World Cup.

However, football was not the only focus. US President Donald Trump stole the spotlight. He became the first recipient of FIFA’s Peace Prize at the John F. Kennedy Center. FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented him with a memento, a medal, and a certificate before the draw officially started.

Argentina, Brazil and Spain Learn Their Group Rivals

After the ceremony, FIFA revealed the group placements. Defending champions Argentina entered Group J. They will face Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.

Brazil, the most successful World Cup nation with five titles, joined Group C. They will play Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.

European champions Spain, who won their only World Cup in 2010, landed in Group H. Their opponents are Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and debutants Cape Verde.

Hosts and Co-Hosts Learn Their Placements

The United States, which will host most matches including the semi-finals and final, was placed in Group D. They will face Paraguay, Australia and the winner of Play-off C.

Co-hosts also received their places, Mexico went into Group A with South Africa, South Korea and the winner of Play-off D. Canada was placed in Group B alongside Qatar, Switzerland and the winner of Play-off A

These groups set the roadmap for the three host nations.

Fixtures Were Not Revealed During the Ceremony

Although the draw happened on Friday, Gianni Infantino did not announce the full match schedule at the event. FIFA instead released the complete list of fixtures and venues on Saturday at 1700 GMT (10:30 pm IST).

This included match dates, stadiums and host cities across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Opening Matches of the 2026 World Cup

The tournament will start on June 11, 2026.

On opening day:

• Mexico vs South Africa will take place in Mexico City

• South Korea vs UEFA Play-off D will be played in Guadalajara

From June 12 onward, the matches will spread across major cities such as Los Angeles, Toronto, New York, Miami, Dallas, Houston and Atlanta.

Big clashes include:

• Brazil vs Morocco – New York/New Jersey (June 13)

• Argentina vs Algeria – Kansas City (June 16)

• Spain vs Uruguay – Guadalajara (June 26)

• USA vs Australia – Seattle (June 19)

• England vs Croatia – Toronto/Dallas (June 17)

Every group will play three matches between June 11 and June 27.

Heavy Football Action Across North America

The schedule shows a busy calendar. Group matches will be played daily. Different cities will host multiple games. Thousands of fans will travel across borders. This World Cup will be the largest in history, with 48 teams and 104 matches in total.

Knockout Round Schedule Confirmed

The knockout stages will begin shortly after the group matches.

• Round of 32: June 28 – July 3

• Round of 16: July 4 – July 7

• Quarterfinals: July 9 – July 11

The semi-finals will take place on:

• July 14 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

• July 15 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

The third-place match will be held on July 18 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens.

The grand final will take place on July 19 – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey