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2026 FIFA World Cup: All You Need to Know About the 48 Teams
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Mexican soccer fans celebrate in a crowded stadium, with a woman in a sombrero cheering and holding up a victory sign after a goal at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament 2022 World Cup in Qatar Brazilian midfielder Ronaldinho celebrates with a Brazil flag draped around his shoulders and a medal, surrounded by photographers after winning the 2002 FIFA World Cup final. Soccer player Raphinha of Brazil, wearing a yellow jersey and blue shorts, jumps and pumps his fist in celebration after scoring during a World Cup qualifier match. Brazil's forward Ronaldo, wearing number 9, lifts the World Cup trophy above his head while celebrating with teammates after winning the 2002 FIFA World Cup final in Yokohama, Japan. FIFA president Gianni Infantino stands with United 2026 bid officials, all in suits, holding a framed certificate after announcing Canada, Mexico, and the US as 2026 World Cup hosts. Miroslav Klose lifts the World Cup trophy surrounded by jubilant German teammates, including Bastian Schweinsteiger and Benedikt Howedes, after winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Johan Cruyff of the New York Cosmos in mid-action on the soccer field, about to kick the ball as a goalkeeper dives in front of him. Soccer player Lamine Yamal of Spain, wearing a yellow jersey with number 19, controls the ball mid-air during a World Cup qualifier match at Konya Stadium.
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Mexican soccer fans celebrate in a crowded stadium, with a woman in a sombrero cheering and holding up a victory sign after a goal at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
2018 World Cup crowd Fans of the Mexican national team celebrating a goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup match against Germany in Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, June 17.

2026 FIFA World Cup: All You Need to Know About the 48 Teams

football
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Top Questions

How many teams will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 23rd edition of the international football (soccer) competition, featured 48 teams playing 104 matches from June 11 to July 19 across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The teams were split into 12 groups of 4, with 32 teams advancing to the knockout stage instead of 16, as in previous tournaments. In 2017 FIFA decided that the tournament would be expanded from the previous 32 teams starting from the 2026 competition, which was also the first time a World Cup was hosted by three countries. Because of the larger field, the World Cup lasted 39 days instead of the roughly 32 days of previous tournaments.

Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan made their World Cup debut in this edition. Countries such as Qatar, Haiti, Panama, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) appeared in the tournament for the second time. Notably, Italy failed to advance to the main tournament for the third time in a row and was the only former competition winner that did not feature in the 2026 edition.

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Retirements, resignations, and terminations

Following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup many players announced their retirement from international football. 18 head coaches stepped down or were sacked.

Players who retired: Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico; total retirement as a player), Neymar (Brazil), Manuel Neuer (Germany), Sadio ManĂ© (Senegal), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria), NicolĂĄs Otamendi (Argentina), Patrik Schick (Czechia), Enner Valencia (Ecuador), Marko Arnautovic (Austria), Craig Gordon (Scotland), Jean Seri (CĂŽte d’Ivoire), and Mitch Duke (Australia; total retirement as a player).

Managers who stepped down or were sacked: Didier Deschamps (France), Rudi Garcia (Belgium), Roberto MartĂ­nez (Portugal), Javier Aguirre (Mexico), Julian Nagelsmann (Germany), Ronald Koeman (Netherlands), Zlatko Dalić (Croatia), SebastiĂĄn Beccacece (Ecuador), Carlos Queiroz (Ghana), Marcelo Bielsa (Uruguay), Steve Clarke (Scotland), Hong Myung-Bo (South Korea), Miroslav Koubek (Czechia), Pape Thiaw (Senegal), Vladimir Petković (Algeria), Jamal Sellami (Jordan), Sabri Lamouchi and HervĂ© Renard (Tunisia).

Teams and groups

Qualified teams

Playoff tournaments

Final draw

On December 5, 2025, FIFA held the official draw at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., to determine the composition of the 12 groups, including six placeholder slots that were decided through international playoffs in March 2026.

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Details on all the 2026 World Cup teams, including FIFA rankings and team information as of May 2026, can be found below.

Group A

Mexico

Team Facts
  • Captain: Edson Álvarez
  • Head coach: Javier Aguirre
  • FIFA ranking: 15
  • World Cup debut: Uruguay 1930
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 18 (1930, 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1978, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: RaĂșl Rangel, Guillermo Ochoa, Carlos Acevedo
  • Defenders: Johan VĂĄsquez, CĂ©sar Montes, Jorge SĂĄnchez, JesĂșs Gallardo, Mateo ChĂĄvez, Israel Reyes
  • Midfielders: Edson Álvarez, Álvaro Fidalgo, Obed Vargas, OrbelĂ­n Pineda, Luis ChĂĄvez, Gilberto Mora, Luis Romo, Erik Lira, Brian GutiĂ©rrez
  • Forwards: RaĂșl JimĂ©nez, Santiago Gimenez, JuliĂĄn Quiñones, Cesar Huerta, Armando GonzĂĄlez, Guillermo MartĂ­nez, Alexis Vega, Roberto Alvarado
Group stage fixtures
  • June 11: vs. South Africa, Mexico City Stadium
  • June 18: vs. South Korea, Estadio Guadalajara
  • June 24: vs. Czechia (Czech Republic), Mexico City Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Mexico is the first country to host the World Cup three times and was also the first two-time host.
  • The team reached the quarterfinals at both tournaments it hosted (1970 and 1986).
  • Mexico has the most World Cup appearances among teams that have never won the tournament.
  • Mexico had never lost a World Cup match at the Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Banorte; formerly Estadio Azteca) until its 3–2 defeat against England in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

South Korea

Team Facts
  • Captain: Son Heung-Min
  • Head coach: Hong Myung-Bo
  • FIFA ranking: 25
  • World Cup debut: Switzerland 1954
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 12 (1954, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Kim Seung-Gyu, Song Bum-Keun, Jo Hyeon-Woo
  • Defenders: Kim Moon-Hwan, Kim Min-Jae, Kim Tae-Hyeon, Park Jin-Seob, Seol Young-Woo, Jens Castrop, Lee Ki-Hyuk, Lee Tae-Seok, Lee Han-Beom, Cho Yu-Min
  • Midfielders: Kim Jin-Gyu, Bae Jun-Ho, Paik Seung-Ho, Yang Hyun-Jun, Eom Ji-Sung, Lee Kang-In, Lee Dong-Gyeong, Lee Jae-Sung, Hwang In-Beom, Hwang Hee-Chan
  • Forwards: Son Heung-Min, Oh Hyeon-Gyu, Cho Gue-Sung
Group stage fixtures
  • June 11: vs. Czechia, Estadio Guadalajara
  • June 18: vs. Mexico, Estadio Guadalajara
  • June 24: vs. South Africa, Estadio Monterrey

Memorable moments and records

  • South Korea cohosted the 2002 World Cup with Japan.
  • The team finished fourth in 2002, which is the best World Cup result by an Asian team.
  • South Korea has qualified for every World Cup from 1986 through 2026.
  • Following the team’s elimination in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, restaurants and convenience stores in South Korea posted notices banning the national team manager Hong Myung-Bo from entering.

South Africa

Team Facts
  • Captain: Ronwen Williams
  • Head coach: Hugo Broos
  • FIFA ranking: 60
  • World Cup debut: France 1998
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 4 (1998, 2002, 2010, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss, Ronwen Williams
  • Defenders: Bradley Cross, Samukelo Kabini, Olwethu Makhanya, Thabang Matuludi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okun, Nkosinathi Sibisi
  • Midfielders: Jayden Adams, Thalente Mbatha, Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole
  • Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Lyle Foster, Evidence Makgopa, Iqraam Rayners, Thapelo Maseko, Relobohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Themba Zwane
Group stage fixtures
  • June 11: vs. Mexico, Mexico City Stadium
  • June 18: vs. Czechia, Atlanta Stadium
  • June 24: vs. South Korea, Estadio Monterrey

Memorable moments and records

  • In 2010 South Africa became the first African country to host the World Cup.
  • South African midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala scored the opening goal of the 2010 World Cup.
  • The team returned to the World Cup for the first time since 2010.
  • South African players Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane were shown red cards in the 2026 World Cup opener.

Czechia (Czech Republic)

Team Facts
  • Captain: Ladislav Krejčí
  • Head coach: Miroslav Koubek
  • FIFA ranking: 41
  • World Cup debut: Germany 2006
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 2 (2006, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: LucĂĄĆĄ Hornicek, Jindƙich StanĂȘk, MatĂȘj Kováƙ
  • Defenders: VladimĂ­r Coufal, David Doudera, TomĂĄĆĄ Holes, Robin Hranáč, Ć těpĂĄn Chaloupek, David JurĂĄsek, Ladislav Krejčí, Jaroslav ZelenĂœ, David Zima
  • Midfielders: LukĂĄĆĄ Červ, VladimĂ­r Darida, LukĂĄĆĄ Provod, Michal SadĂ­lek, Hugo SochĆŻrek, Alexandr Sojka, TomĂĄĆĄ Souček, Pavel Ć ulc, Denis ViĆĄinskĂœ
  • Forwards: Adam HloĆŸek, TomĂĄĆĄ ChorĂœ, MojmĂ­r Chytil, Jan Kuchta, Patrik Schick
Group stage fixtures
  • June 11: vs. South Korea, Estadio Guadalajara
  • June 18: vs. South Africa, Atlanta Stadium
  • June 24: vs. Mexico, Mexico City Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Czechia made its first World Cup appearance since 2006.
  • Czechoslovakia, Czechia’s predecessor, reached the 1934 and 1962 World Cup finals.
  • The Czech Republic won 3–0 against the United States in its debut match at the 2006 World Cup.

Group B

Canada

Team Facts
  • Captain: Alphonso Davies
  • Head coach: Jesse Marsch
  • FIFA ranking: 30
  • World Cup debut: Mexico 1986
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 3 (1986, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Dayne St. Clair, Maxime CrĂ©peau, Owen Goodman
  • Defenders: Alistair Johnston, Derek Cornelius, Ritchie Laryea, Niko Sigur, Joel Waterman, Luc De Fougerolles, MoĂŻse Bombito, Alphonso Davies, Alfie Jones
  • Midfielders: Stephen EustĂĄquio, IsmaĂ«l KonĂ©, Tajon Buchanan, Mathieu ChoiniĂšre, Ali Ahmed, Nathan Saliba, Liam Millar, Jacob Shaffelburg, Jonathan Osorio
  • Forwards: Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tani Oluwaseyi, Promise David, Jayden Nelson
Group stage fixtures
  • June 12: vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Toronto Stadium
  • June 18: vs. Qatar, BC Place Vancouver
  • June 24: vs. Switzerland, BC Place Vancouver

Memorable moments and records

  • Canada hosted a World Cup for the first time.
  • The team returned to the World Cup in 2022 after a 36-year absence.
  • Canada’s Alphonso Davies scored the country’s first World Cup goal in 2022.
  • Canada delivered its best World Cup performance in 2026 after advancing to the round of 16.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Team Facts
  • Captain: Edin DĆŸeko
  • Head coach: Sergej Barbarez
  • FIFA ranking: 65
  • World Cup debut: Brazil 2014
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 2 (2014, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Nikola Vasilj, Martin Zlomislic, Osman Hadzikic
  • Defenders: Sead Kolasinac, Amar Dedic, Nihad Mujakic, Nikola Katic, Tarik Muharemovic, Stjepan Radeljic, Dennis Hadzikadunic, Nidal Celik
  • Midfielders: Amir Hadziahmetovic, Ivan Sunjic, Ivan Basic, Dzenis Burnic, Ermin Mahmic, Benjamin Tahirovic, Amar Memic, Armin Gigovic, Kerim Alajbegovic, Esmir Bajraktarevic
  • Forwards: Ermedin Demirovic, Jovo Lukic, Samed Bazdar, Haris Tabakovic, Edin Dzeko
Group stage fixtures
  • June 12: vs. Canada, Toronto Stadium
  • June 18: vs. Switzerland, Los Angeles Stadium
  • June 24: vs. Qatar, Seattle Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • The independent country’s football team made its World Cup debut in 2014.
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina recorded its first World Cup win in 2014 against Iran.
  • The 2026 tournament was the country’s first World Cup since Brazil 2014.

Qatar

Team Facts
  • Captain: Hassan Al-Haydos
  • Head coach: Julen Lopetegui
  • FIFA ranking: 55
  • World Cup debut: Qatar 2022
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 2 (2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Mahmoud Abunada, Meshaal Barsham, Salah Zakaria
  • Defenders: Ayoub al-Alawi, Homam Ahmed, Sultan al-Brake, al-Hashmi al-Hussain, Boualem Khoukhi, Issa Laye, Lucas Mendes, Pedro Miguel
  • Midfielders: Karim Boudiaf, Ahmed Fathi, Jassim Gaber, Abdulaziz Hatem, Assim Madibo, Mohammad Al Mannai
  • Forwards: Hassan al-Haydos, Ahmed al-Ganehi, Youssef Abdurisag, Akram Afif, Ahmed Alaaeldin, Almoez Ali, Edmilson Junior, Tahseen Mohammed, Mohammed Muntari
Group stage fixtures
  • June 13: vs. Switzerland, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
  • June 18: vs. Canada, BC Place Vancouver
  • June 24: vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Seattle Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • In 2022 Qatar became the first Middle Eastern country to host the World Cup.
  • Th 2026 edition was the first time Qatar has qualified for the World Cup as a non-host participant.
  • Qatar is the reigning Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup champion.

Switzerland

Team Facts
  • Captain: Granit Xhaka
  • Head coach: Murat Yakin
  • FIFA ranking: 19
  • World Cup debut: Italy 1934
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 13 (1934, 1938, 1950, 1954, 1962, 1966, 1994, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Marvin Keller, Gregor Kobel, Yvon Mvogo
  • Defenders: Manuel Akanji, AurĂšle Amenda, Eray Cömert, Nico Elvedi, Luca Jaquez, Miro Muheim, Ricardo Rodriguez, Silvan Widmer
  • Midfielders: Michel Aebischer, Christian Fassnacht, Remo Freuler, Ardon Jashari, Johan Manzambi, Fabian Rieder, Djibril Sow, Granit Xhaka, Denis Zakaria
  • Forwards: Zeki Amdouni, Breel Embolo, Cedric Itten, Dan Ndoye, Noah Okafor, Ruben Vargas
Group stage fixtures
  • June 13: vs. Qatar, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
  • June 17: vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Los Angeles Stadium
  • June 24: vs. Canada, BC Place Vancouver

Memorable moments and records

  • Switzerland hosted the 1954 World Cup.
  • The team has reached the World Cup quarterfinals three times: in 1934, 1938, and 1954.
  • Switzerland is the only country in World Cup history to be knocked out of the tournament without conceding a goal or losing a match. At the 2006 World Cup, the Swiss team won or drew its group stage matches without conceding a goal and drew 0–0 against Ukraine in the first knockout round before losing the penalty shoot-out.
  • Switzerland’s Johan Manzambi became the youngest substitute player to score two goals in a World Cup match when he bagged a brace during his team’s 4–1 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Group C

Brazil

Brazilian midfielder Ronaldinho celebrates with a Brazil flag draped around his shoulders and a medal, surrounded by photographers after winning the 2002 FIFA World Cup final.
1 of 3
Ronaldinho of Brazil, 2002 FIFA World Cup winnerBrazilian midfielder Ronaldinho celebrating after his team defeated Germany 2–0 in the final of the 2002 FIFA World Cup at the International Stadium, Yokohama, Japan, June 30.
Soccer player Raphinha of Brazil, wearing a yellow jersey and blue shorts, jumps and pumps his fist in celebration after scoring during a World Cup qualifier match.
2 of 3
Raphinha, 2026 FIFA World CupBrazilian football player Raphinha celebrating after scoring a penalty kick to net his team's first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers in a match against Colombia on March 20, 2025, at the Mané Garrincha Stadium, Brasília.
Brazil's forward Ronaldo, wearing number 9, lifts the World Cup trophy above his head while celebrating with teammates after winning the 2002 FIFA World Cup final in Yokohama, Japan.
3 of 3
Brazil, 2002 World Cup championsMembers of the Brazilian national team celebrating after defeating Germany 2–0 in the 2002 FIFA World Cup final at the International Stadium, Yokohama, June 30. Brazilian forward Ronaldo (center), flanked by teammates, is holding the World Cup trophy aloft during the award ceremony.

Team Facts
  • Captain: Marquinhos
  • Head coach: Carlo Ancelotti
  • FIFA ranking: 6
  • World Cup debut: Uruguay 1930
  • World Cup titles: 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002

World Cup appearances: 23 (1930, 1934, 1938, 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Alisson, Éderson, Weverton
  • Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, LĂ©o Pereira, Bremer, Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ibanez, Marquinhos, Ederson
  • Midfielders: Bruno GuimarĂŁes, Casemiro, Danilo Santos, Fabinho, Lucas PaquetĂĄ
  • Forwards: Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Neymar, Raphinha, Rayan, VinĂ­cius JĂșnior
Group stage fixtures

Memorable moments and records

  • Brazil is the only country that has played in every World Cup.
  • It gained permanent possession of the Jules Rimet Trophy, the original cup, in 1970 after winning the World Cup for a third time.
  • With five titles, Brazil is the most successful team in the tournament’s history.

Morocco

Team Facts
  • Captain: Achraf Hakimi
  • Head coach: Mohamed Ouahbi
  • FIFA ranking: 8
  • World Cup debut: Mexico 1970
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 7 (1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou, Munir El Kajoui, Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti
  • Defenders: Marwane Saadane, Youssef Belammari, Issa Diop, Zakaria El Ouahdi, Achraf Hakimi, Redouane Halhal, Noussair Mazraoui, Chadi Riad, Anass Salah-Eddine
  • Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui, Bilal El Khannouss, Samir El Mourabet, Azzedine Ounahi, Ismael Saibari
  • Forwards: Ayoube Amaimouni, Brahim DĂ­az, Ayoub El Kaabi, Amine SbaĂŻ, Gessime Yassine, Soufiane Rahimi, Chemsdine Talbi
Group stage fixtures
  • June 13: vs. Brazil, New York New Jersey Stadium
  • June 19: vs. Scotland, Boston Stadium
  • June 24: vs. Haiti, Atlanta Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • At the 2022 World Cup, Morocco became the first African and Arab team to reach the semifinals.
  • Morocco was also the first African team to top a World Cup group, achieving this feat in 1986.
  • The 2026 edition marked the first time that the team appeared in three consecutive World Cups.

Haiti

Team Facts
  • Captain: Johny Placide
  • Head coach: SĂ©bastien MignĂ©
  • FIFA ranking: 83
  • World Cup debut: West Germany 1974
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 2 (1974, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: JosuĂ© Duverger, Alexandre Pierre, Johny Placide
  • Defenders: Ricardo AdĂ©, Carlens Arcus, Hannes Delcroix, Jean-KĂ©vin Duverne, Martin ExpĂ©rience, Duke Lacroix, Wilguens Pauguain, Keeto Thermoncy
  • Midfielders: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Danley Jean Jacques, Leverton Pierre, Woodensky Pierre, Carl SaintĂ©, Dominique Simon
  • Forwards: JosuĂ© Casimir, Louicius Deedson, Derrick Etienne, Yassin FortunĂ©, Wilson Isidor, Lenny Joseph, Duckens Nazon, Frantzdy Pierrot, Ruben Providence
Group stage fixtures
  • June 13: vs. Scotland, Boston Stadium
  • June 19: vs. Brazil, Philadelphia Stadium
  • June 24: vs. Morocco, Atlanta Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • The team returned to the World Cup for the first time since 1974.
  • Emmanuel Sanon scored the team’s first World Cup goal against Italy in 1974.
  • Haiti has never won or drawn a World Cup match.

Scotland

Team Facts
  • Captain: Andy Robertson
  • Head coach: Steve Clarke
  • FIFA ranking: 43
  • World Cup debut: Switzerland 1954
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 9 (1954, 1958, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1998, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly
  • Defenders: Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Dominic Hyam, Scott McKenna, Nathan Patterson, Anthony Ralston, Andy Robertson, John Souttar, Kieran Tierney
  • Midfielders: Ryan Christie, Findlay Curtis, Lewis Ferguson, Ben Gannon-Doak, Tyler Fletcher, John McGinn, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay
  • Forwards: ChĂ© Adams, Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst, Lawrence Shankland, Ross Stewart
Group stage fixtures
  • June 13: vs. Haiti, Boston Stadium
  • June 19: vs. Morocco, Boston Stadium
  • June 24: vs. Brazil, Miami Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Scotland played in the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
  • The national team produced memorable World Cup wins over the Netherlands in 1978 and Sweden in 1990.
  • Scotland has never advanced past the group stage of the competition.

Group D

United States

Team Facts
  • Captain: Christian Pulisic
  • Head coach: Mauricio Pochettino
  • FIFA ranking: 16
  • World Cup debut: Uruguay 1930
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 12 (1930, 1934, 1950, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Chris Brady, Matt Freese, Matt Turner
  • Defenders: Max Arfsten, Sergiño Dest, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, Auston Trusty
  • Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, Cristian Roldan, Malik Tillman
  • Forwards: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, Timothy Weah, Haji Wright, Alejandro Zendejas, Brenden Aaronson
Group stage fixtures
  • June 12: vs. Paraguay, Los Angeles Stadium
  • June 19: vs. Australia, Seattle Stadium
  • June 25: vs. TĂŒrkiye (Turkey), Los Angeles Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • The United States hosted the World Cup for the second time.
  • The national team reached the semifinals in 1930 and the quarterfinals in 2002.
  • At the 1950 World Cup, the United States defeated tournament favorites England 1–0 in one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history.

Paraguay

Team Facts
  • Captain: Gustavo GĂłmez
  • Head coach: Gustavo Alfaro
  • FIFA ranking: 40
  • World Cup debut: Uruguay 1930
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 9 (1930, 1950, 1958, 1986, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Orlando Gill, Gatito FernĂĄndez, GastĂłn Oliveira
  • Defenders: Omar Alderete, JĂșnior Alonso, FabiĂĄn Balbuena, Juan JosĂ© Caceres, Jose Canale, Gustavo GĂłmez, Alexandre Maidana, Gustavo VelĂĄzquez
  • Midfielders: DamiĂĄn Bobadilla, AndrĂ©s Cubas, MatĂ­as Galarza, Kaku, Diego GĂłmez, MaurĂ­cio Magalhaes, Braian Ojeda
  • Forwards: Miguel AlmirĂłn, Alex Arce, Gabriel Ávalos, Gustavo Caballero, Julio Enciso, Isidro Pitta, Antonio Sanabria, RamĂłn Sosa
Group stage fixtures
  • June 12: vs. United States, Los Angeles Stadium
  • June 19: vs. TĂŒrkiye (Turkey), San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
  • June 25: vs. Australia, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Paraguay reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 2010.
  • In 2026 the team returned to the World Cup for the first time since 2010.
  • Paraguay was the first team to lose a World Cup match because of a golden goal (a tie-breaker consisting of a sudden-death goal scored in extra time) in 1998.
  • The Paraguayan team knocked Germany out of the 2026 edition in the round of 32.

Australia

Team Facts
  • Captain: Mathew Ryan
  • Head coach: Tony Popovic
  • FIFA ranking: 27
  • World Cup debut: West Germany 1974
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 7 (1974, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Patrick Beach, Paul Izzo, Mathew Ryan
  • Defenders: Aziz Behich, Jordan Bos, Cameron Burgess, Alessandro Circati, Milos Degenek, Jason Geria, Lucas Herrington, Jacob Italiano, Harry Souttar, Kai Trewin
  • Midfielders: Cameron Devlin, Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine, Connor Metcalfe, Paul Okon-Engstler, Aiden O’Neill
  • Forwards: Nestory Irankunda, Mathew Leckie, Awer Mabil, Mohamed Toure, Nishan Velupillay, Cristian Volpato, Tete Yengi
Group stage fixtures
  • June 13: vs. TĂŒrkiye (Turkey), BC Place Vancouver
  • June 19: vs. United States, Seattle Stadium
  • June 25: vs. Paraguay, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Australia reached the round of 16 in 2006 and 2022.
  • The national team qualified for every World Cup from 2006 through 2026.
  • The Australian team’s first victory in a World Cup was through a dramatic late comeback against Japan in 2006.

TĂŒrkiye (Turkey)

Team Facts
  • Captain: Hakan Çalhanoğlu
  • Head coach: Vincenzo Montella
  • FIFA ranking: 22
  • World Cup debut: Switzerland 1954
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 3 (1954, 2002, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Uğurcan Çakir, Altay Bayindir, Mert GĂŒnok
  • Defenders: Ferdi Kadioglu, Merih Demiral, Zeki Çelik, Ozan Kabak, Mert MĂŒldĂŒr, AbdĂŒlkerim Bardakci, Eren Elmali, Çağlar SöyĂŒncĂŒ, Samet Akaydin
  • Midfielders: Arda GĂŒler, Can Uzun, Orkun KökĂ§ĂŒ, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Ismail YĂŒksek, Kaan Ayhan, Salih Özcan
  • Forwards: Kenan Yildiz, BariƟ Yilıilmaz, Kerem AktĂŒrkoğlu, Yunus AkgĂŒn, Oğuz Aydin, Deniz Gul, Irfan Can Kahveci
Group stage fixtures
  • June 13: vs. Australia, BC Place Vancouver
  • June 19: vs. Paraguay, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
  • June 25: vs. United States, Los Angeles Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Turkey (TĂŒrkiye) finished in third place at the 2002 World Cup.
  • Turkish player Hakan ĆžĂŒkĂŒr holds the record for scoring the fastest goal in World Cup history, finding the net 11 seconds after kickoff in the 2002 third-place match.
  • In 2026 TĂŒrkiye appeared in its first World Cup since 2002.

Group E

Germany

Team Facts
  • Captain: Joshua Kimmich
  • Head coach: Julian Nagelsmann
  • FIFA ranking: 10
  • World Cup debut: Italy 1934
  • World Cup titles: 1954, 1974, 1990, 2014

World Cup appearances: 21 (1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann, Manuel Neuer, Alexander NĂŒbel
  • Defenders: Waldemar Anton, Nathaniel Brown, Joshua Kimmich, David Raum, Antonio RĂŒdiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, Malick Thiaw
  • Midfielders: Nadiem Amiri, Leon Goretzka, Pascal Gross, Jamie Leweling, Jamal Musiala, Felix Nmecha, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Angelo Stiller, Florian Wirtz, Assan OuĂ©draogo
  • Forwards: Maximilian Beier, Kai Havertz, Leroy SanĂ©, Deniz Undav, Nick Woltemade
Group stage fixtures
  • June 14: vs. Curaçao, Houston Stadium
  • June 20: vs. CĂŽte d’Ivoire, Toronto Stadium
  • June 25: vs. Ecuador, New York New Jersey Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Germany has won the World Cup four times and holds the record for the most quarterfinal appearances (eight, including appearances as West Germany).
  • At the 1982 World Cup, the West Germany (now Germany) team won the tournament’s first penalty shoot-out.
  • Germany won the 2014 World Cup and also scored a historic 7–1 semifinal win over Brazil during the tournament.
  • The German team defeated debutant Curaçao 7–1 in the 2026 edition, becoming the first team in World Cup history to score seven or more goals on four separate occasions.

Curaçao

Team Facts
  • Captain: Leandro Bacuna
  • Head coach: Dick Advocaat
  • FIFA ranking: 82
  • World Cup debut: Canada/Mexico/United States 2026
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 1 (2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Tyrick Bodak, Trevor Doornbusch, Eloy Room
  • Defenders: Riechedly Bazoer, Joshua Brenet, Roshon van Eijma, Sherel Floranus, Deveron Fonville, Jurien Gaari, Armando Obispo, Shurandy Sambo
  • Midfielders: Juninho Bacuna, Leandro Bacuna, Livano Comenencia, Kevin Felida, Ar’Jany Martha, Tyrese Noslin, Godfried Roemeratoe
  • Forwards: Jeremy Antonisse, Tahith Chong, Kenji Gorre, Sontje Hansen, Gervane Kastaneer, Brandley Kuwas, Jurgen Locadia, Jearl Margaritha
Group stage fixtures
  • June 14: vs. Germany, Houston Stadium
  • June 20: vs. Ecuador, Kansas City Stadium
  • June 25: vs. CĂŽte d’Ivoire, Philadelphia Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Curaçao made its World Cup debut in 2026.
  • It was one of the smallest countries by population to qualify for a World Cup.
  • The national team defeated regional heavyweight Jamaica and drew against Trinidad and Tobago during the World Cup qualification campaign.

Cîte d’Ivoire

Team Facts
  • Captain: Franck KessiĂ©
  • Head coach: Emerse FaĂ©
  • FIFA ranking: 34
  • World Cup debut: Germany 2006
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 4 (2006, 2010, 2014, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana, Mohamed KonĂ©, Alban Lafont
  • Defenders: Emmanuel Agbadou, Christopher Operi, Ousmane Diomande, GuĂ©la DouĂ©, Ghislain Konan, Odilon Kossounou, Evan Ndicka, Wilfried Singo
  • Midfielders: Seko Fofana, Parfait Guiagon, Christ Inao OulaĂŻ, Franck KessiĂ©, Ibrahim SangarĂ©, Jean-MichaĂ«l Seri
  • Forwards: Simon Adingra, Ange-Yoan Bonny, Amad Diallo, Oumar DiakitĂ©, Yan Diomande, Evann Guessand, Nicolas PĂ©pĂ©, Bazoumana TourĂ©, Elye Wahi
Group stage fixtures
  • June 14: vs. Ecuador, Philadelphia Stadium
  • June 20: vs. Germany, Toronto Stadium
  • June 25: vs. Curaçao, Philadelphia Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • CĂŽte d’Ivoire qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2014.
  • The national team appeared in three consecutive World Cups from 2006 to 2014.
  • CĂŽte d’Ivoire made its World Cup debut at the 2006 tournament.

Ecuador

Team Facts
  • Captain: MoisĂ©s Caicedo
  • Head coach: SebastiĂĄn Beccacece
  • FIFA ranking: 23
  • World Cup debut: South Korea and Japan 2002
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 5 (2002, 2006, 2014, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: HernĂĄn GalĂ­ndez, MoisĂ©s RamĂ­rez, Gonzalo Valle
  • Defenders: Pervis Estupiñån, Piero HincapiĂ©, Yaimar Medina, Joel Ordóñez, Willian Pacho, Jackson Porozo, Ángelo Preciado, FĂ©lix Torres
  • Midfielders: Jordy Alcivar, Nilson Angulo, MoisĂ©s Caicedo, Denil Castillo, Alan Franco, Alan Minda, Kendry PĂĄez, Pedro Vite, Gonzalo Plata, John Yeboah
  • Forwards: Jeremy ArĂ©valo, Jordy Caicedo, Anthony Valencia, Enner Valencia, Kevin RodrĂ­guez
Group stage fixtures
  • June 14: vs. CĂŽte d’Ivoire, Philadelphia Stadium
  • June 20: vs. Curaçao, Kansas City Stadium
  • June 25: vs. Germany, New York New Jersey Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Ecuador’s national team made its World Cup debut in 2002.
  • Ecuador’s best result was reaching the round of 16 at the 2006 World Cup.
  • The national team qualified from South America’s competitive pathway for a second straight World Cup appearance.

Group F

Netherlands

Team Facts
  • Captain: Virgil van Dijk
  • Head coach: Ronald Koeman
  • FIFA ranking: 7
  • World Cup debut: Italy 1934
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 12 (1934, 1938, 1974, 1978, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Mark Flekken, Robin Roefs, Bart Verbruggen
  • Defenders: Nathan AkĂ©, Denzel Dumfries, Jorrel Hato, JurriĂ«n Timber, Micky van de Ven, Virgil van Dijk, Jan Paul van Hecke, Mats Wieffer
  • Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Marten de Roon, Ryan Gravenberch, Justin Kluivert, Teun Koopmeiners, Tijjani Reijnders, Guus Til, Quinten Timber
  • Forwards: Brian Brobbey, Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, Noa Lang, Donyell Malen, Crysencio Summerville, Wout Weghorst
Group stage fixtures
  • June 14: vs. Japan, Dallas Stadium
  • June 20: vs. Sweden, Houston Stadium
  • June 25: vs. Tunisia, Kansas City Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • The Netherlands is a three-time World Cup runner-up (1974, 1978, and 2010).
  • The team became famous for the “total football” style led by Dutch winger Johan Cruyff in the 1970s.
  • Since 1974 the Netherlands has advanced to the knockout round of every World Cup it has appeared in.
  • The Dutch team extended its streak of unbeaten World Cup matches to 16 after being eliminated on penalties against Morocco in the round of 32 in 2026.

Japan

Team Facts
  • Captain: Itakura Ko
  • Head coach: Hajime Moriyasu
  • FIFA ranking: 18
  • World Cup debut: France 1998
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 8 (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Hayakawa Tomoki, Osako Keisuke, Suzuki Zion
  • Defenders: Itakura Ko, Ito Hiroki, Nagatomo Yuto, Seko Ayumu, Sugawara Yukinari, Suzuki Junnosuke, Taniguchi Shogo, Tomiyasu Takehiro, Watanabe Tsuyoshi
  • Midfielders: Kamada Daichi, Tanaka Ao, Sano Kaishu, Doan Ritsu, Ito Junya, Kubo Takefusa, Nakamura Keito
  • Forwards: Goto Keisuke, Maeda Daizen, Ogawa Koki, Shiogai Kento, Ueda Ayase, Suzuki Yuito, Machino ShĆ«to
Group stage fixtures
  • June 14: vs. Netherlands, Dallas Stadium
  • June 20: vs. Tunisia, Estadio Monterrey
  • June 25: vs. Sweden, Dallas Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Japan has qualified for every World Cup since making its tournament debut in 1998.
  • It has reached the round of 16 in 2002, 2010, 2018, and 2022.
  • Japan beat two former World Cup champions, Germany and Spain, in the 2022 group stage.

Sweden

Team Facts
  • Captain: Victor Lindelöf
  • Head coach: Graham Potter
  • FIFA ranking: 38
  • World Cup debut: Italy 1934
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 13 (1934, 1938, 1950, 1958, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1990, 1994, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Kristoffer Nordfeldt, Viktor Johansson, Jacob Widell Zetterstrom
  • Defenders: Gustaf Lagerbielke, Victor Lindelöf, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Daniel Svensson, Elliot Stroud, Carl Starfelt, Isak Hien, Hjalmar Ekdal, Eric Smith
  • Midfielders: Lucas Bergvall, Herman Johansson, Jesper Karlström, Yasin Ayari, Mattias Svanberg, Besfort Zeneli, Ken Sema
  • Forwards: Gustaf Nilsson, Benjamin Nygren, Anthony Elanga, Viktor Gyökeres, Taha Ali, Alexander Isak, Alexander Bernhardsson
Group stage fixtures
  • June 14: vs. Tunisia, Estadio Monterrey
  • June 20: vs. Netherlands, Houston Stadium
  • June 25: vs. Japan, Dallas Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Sweden’s best World Cup result was finishing as runner-up when hosting the 1958 World Cup.
  • The team has reached the semifinals in 1938, 1950, 1958, and 1994.
  • Sweden’s 8–0 win against Cuba in the quarterfinals of the 1938 World Cup is the biggest margin of victory in the tournament’s knockout stage.

Tunisia

Team Facts
  • Captain: Ferjani Sassi
  • Head coach: HervĂ© Renard (after Sabri Lamouchi was sacked during the 2026 World Cup)
  • FIFA ranking: 44
  • World Cup debut: Argentina 1978
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 7 (1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Aymen Dahmen, Sabri Ben Hessen, Abdelmouhib Chamakh
  • Defenders: Montassar Talbi, Dylan Bronn, Omar Rekik, Yan Valery, Ali Abdi, Moutaz Neffati, Raed Chikhaoui, Adem Arous, Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida
  • Midfielders: Ellyes Skhiri, Hannibal Mejbri, Anis Ben Slimane, Rani Khedira, Mohamed Hadj-Mahmoud, Mortadha Ben Ouanes, Ismael Gharbi
  • Forwards: Elias Achouri, Elias Saad, Sebastian Tounekti, Firas Chaouat, Khalil Ayari, Hazem Mastouri, Rayan Elloumi
Group stage fixtures
  • June 14: vs. Sweden, Estadio Monterrey
  • June 20: vs. Japan, Estadio Monterrey
  • June 25: vs. Netherlands, Kansas City Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Tunisia became the first African team to win a World Cup match, beating Mexico in 1978.
  • Tunisia beat defending champion France in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup.
  • The Tunisian national team appeared in a third consecutive World Cup in 2026.
  • Tunisia sacked head coach Sabri Lamouchi following the team’s 5–1 loss against Sweden in its opening match. Lamouchi’s replacement, HervĂ© Renard, resigned after Tunisia was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup less than three weeks later.

Group G

Belgium

Team Facts
  • Captain: Youri Tielemans
  • Head coach: Rudi Garcia
  • FIFA ranking: 9
  • World Cup debut: Uruguay 1930
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 15 (1930, 1934, 1938, 1954, 1970, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Senne Lammens, Mike Penders
  • Defenders: Timothy Castagne, Zeno Debast, Maxim De Cuyper, Koni De Winter, Brandon Mechele, Thomas Meunier, Nathan Ngoy, Joaquin Seys, Arthur Theate
  • Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne, Amadou Onana, Nicolas Raskin, Youri Tielemans, Hans Vanaken, Axel Witsel
  • Forwards: Charles De Ketelaere, JĂ©rĂ©my Doku, Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Romelu Lukaku, Dodi Lukebakio, Diego Moreira, Alexis Saelemaekers, Leandro Trossard
Group stage fixtures
  • June 15: vs. Egypt, Seattle Stadium
  • June 21: vs. Iran, Los Angeles Stadium
  • June 26: vs. New Zealand, BC Place Vancouver

Memorable moments and records

  • Belgium’s best result was a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup. The team also reached the semifinals in 1986.
  • The team’s biggest margin of victory in a World Cup match is three goals.
  • The Belgian team appeared in its fourth consecutive World Cup in 2026.
  • Belgium was the only team that managed to score a goal against tournament champion Spain at the 2026 World Cup.

Egypt

Team Facts
  • Captain: Mohamed Salah
  • Head coach: Hossam Hassan
  • FIFA ranking: 29
  • World Cup debut: Italy 1934
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 4 (1934, 1990, 2018, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir, El Mahdi Soliman, Mohamed Alaa
  • Defenders: Mohamed Hany, Tarek Alaa, Hamdy Fathy, Rami Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, Hossam Abdelmaguid, Mohamed Abdelmonemn, Ahmed Fatouh, Karim Hafez
  • Midfielders: Marwan Attia, Mohanad Lasheen, Nabil “Dunga” Emad, Mahmoud Saber, Ahmed “Zizo” Sayed, Emam Ashour, Mostafa Ziko, Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan, Ibrahim Adel, Haissem Hassan
  • Forwards: Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Salah, Hamza Abdelkarim
Group stage fixtures
  • June 15: vs. Belgium, Seattle Stadium
  • June 21: vs. New Zealand, BC Place Vancouver
  • June 26: vs. Iran, Seattle Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Egypt was the first African team to appear at a World Cup, in 1934.
  • The team next played in the World Cup in 1990 after a 56-year gap.
  • Egypt defeated New Zealand 3–1 in the group stage of the 2026 edition to win its first World Cup match.

Iran

Team Facts
  • Captain: Mehdi Taremi
  • Head coach: Amir Ghalenoei
  • FIFA ranking: 21
  • World Cup debut: Argentina 1978
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 7 (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand, Seyed Hossein Hosseini, Payam Niazmand
  • Defenders: Danial Eiri, Ehsan Hajsafi, Saleh Hardani, Hossein Kanaani, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Milad Mohammadi, Ali Nemati, Ramin Rezaeian
  • Midfielders: Rouzbeh Cheshmi, Saeid Ezatolahi, Mehdi Ghaedi, Saman Ghoddos, Mohammad Ghorbani, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mohammad Mohebi, Amir Mohammad Razzaghinia, Mehdi Torabi, Aria Yousefi
  • Forwards: Ali Alipour, Dennis Eckert Dargahi, Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh, Shahriar Moghanlou, Mehdi Taremi
Group stage fixtures
  • June 15: vs. New Zealand, Los Angeles Stadium
  • June 21: vs. Belgium, Los Angeles Stadium
  • June 26: vs. Egypt, Seattle Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Iran’s 2–1 win over the United States in 1998 is one of its most famous World Cup results.
  • The team qualified for four consecutive World Cups from 2014 through 2026.
  • The Iranian team is still looking for a first appearance in the knockout stage of the tournament.
  • Iran commuted to U.S. venues for its group-stage matches in the 2026 tournament from its base camp in Mexico.

New Zealand

Team Facts
  • Captain: Chris Wood
  • Head coach: Darren Bazeley
  • FIFA ranking: 85
  • World Cup debut: Spain 1982
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 3 (1982, 2010, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe, Alex Paulsen, Michael Woud
  • Defenders: Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Francis de Vries, Callan Elliot, Tim Payne, Nando Pijnaker, Tommy Smith, Finn Surman
  • Midfielders: Lachlan Bayliss, Joe Bell, Matt Garbett, Ben Old, Alex Rufer, Sarpreet Singh, Marko Stamenic, Eli Just, Ryan Thomas
  • Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses, Callum McCowatt, Jesse Randall, Ben Waine, Chris Wood
Group stage fixtures
  • June 15: vs. Iran, Los Angeles Stadium
  • June 21: vs. Egypt, BC Place Vancouver
  • June 26: vs. Belgium, BC Place Vancouver

Memorable moments and records

  • New Zealand went unbeaten at the 2010 World Cup but exited in the group stage after three draws.
  • The New Zealand team played in its first World Cup since 2010.
  • The team has never won a World Cup match in three tournament appearances.

Group H

Spain

Team Facts
  • Captain: Rodri
  • Head coach: Luis de la Fuente
  • FIFA ranking: 2
  • World Cup debut: Italy 1934
  • World Cup titles: 2010

World Cup appearances: 17 (1934, 1950, 1962, 1966, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Unai SimĂłn, David Raya, Joan GarcĂ­a
  • Defenders: Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Eric GarcĂ­a, Pau CubarsĂ­, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro “Álex” Grimaldo
  • Midfielders: Rodri, MartĂ­n Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Pedri, Gavi, FabiĂĄn Ruiz, Álex Baena
  • Forwards: YĂ©remy Pino, VĂ­ctor Muñoz, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Borja Iglesias
  • Group stage fixtures
    • June 15: vs. Cabo Verde, Atlanta Stadium
    • June 21: vs. Saudi Arabia, Atlanta Stadium
    • June 26: vs. Uruguay, Estadio Guadalajara

Memorable moments and records

  • Spain, the new world champion, won its first World Cup in 2010, which was the last time the tournament had a first-time winner.
  • The Spanish team won back-to-back European Championships (continental football competition among national teams) in 2008 and 2012 on either side of its World Cup title. It is also the reigning European champion, having won the 2024 tournament.
  • Among the eight World Cup winners, Spain had the longest gap (76 years) between making its World Cup debut (1934) and winning the title (2010).
  • Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon kept a record seven clean sheets (matches in which a team doesn’t concede a goal) in the 2026 edition.

Cabo Verde

Team Facts
  • Captain: Ryan Mendes
  • Head coach: Bubista
  • FIFA ranking: 69
  • World Cup debut: Canada/Mexico/United States 2026
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 1 (2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: CJ dos Santos, Marcio Rosa, Vozinha
  • Defenders: Sidny Cabral, Diney Borges, Logan Costa, Roberto “Pico” Lopes, Steven Moreira, Wagner Pina, Kelvin Pires, Stopira
  • Midfielders: Telmo Arcanjo, Deroy Duarte, Laros Duarte, Joao Paulo Fernandes, Jamiro Monteiro, Kevin Pina, Yannick Semedo
  • Forwards: Benchimol, Jovane Cabral, Dailon Livramento, Ryan Mendes, Nuno da Costa, Garry Rodrigues, Willy Semedo, Helio Varela
Group stage fixtures
  • June 15: vs. Spain, Atlanta Stadium
  • June 21: vs. Uruguay, Miami Stadium
  • June 26: vs. Saudi Arabia, Houston Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Cabo Verde made its World Cup debut in 2026.
  • It was among the smallest countries by population ever to qualify for the World Cup.
  • During the qualification process for the 2026 World Cup, Cabo Verde won all 5 home matches—out of a total of 10 matches—without conceding a single goal.
  • Cabo Verde became the smallest country (by population) to advance to the knockout stage of the 2026 tournament.

Saudi Arabia

Team Facts
  • Captain: Salem Al-Dawsari
  • Head coach: Georgios Donis
  • FIFA ranking: 61
  • World Cup debut: United States 1994
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 7 (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Ahmed Al-Kassar, Mohammed Al-Owais
  • Defenders: Saud Abdulhamid, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Moteb Al-Harbi, Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Nawaf Boushal, Hassan Kadesh, Ali Lajami, Ali Majrashi, Ayman Yahya, Jehad Thakri
  • Midfielders: Nasser Al-Dawsari, Alaa Al-Hajji, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Ziyad Al-Johani, Musab Al-Juwayr, Mohamed Kanno, Sultan Mandash
  • Forwards: Firas Al-Buraikan, Salem Al-Dawsari, Khalid Al-Ghannam, Abdullah Al-Hamdan, Saleh Al-Shehri
Group stage fixtures
  • June 15: vs. Uruguay, Miami Stadium
  • June 21: vs. Spain, Atlanta Stadium
  • June 26: vs. Cabo Verde, Houston Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Saudi Arabia reached the round of 16 knockout stage during its World Cup debut in 1994.
  • Saudi forward Saeed Al-Owairan’s solo goal against Belgium at the 1994 World Cup is considered one of the tournament’s historic plays. Al-Owairan received the ball deep inside his team’s half and charged more than 75 yards (69 meters) across the pitch while evading four Belgian defenders. He then lifted the ball past the advancing Belgian goalkeeper, Michel Preud’homme, to score the goal.
  • Saudi Arabia was the only team that defeated eventual champion Argentina, in the 2022 World Cup, winning 2–1.

Uruguay

Team Facts
  • Captain: JosĂ© MarĂ­a GimĂ©nez
  • Head coach: Marcelo Bielsa
  • FIFA ranking: 17
  • World Cup debut: Uruguay 1930
  • World Cup titles: 1930, 1950

World Cup appearances: 15 (1930, 1950, 1954, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1986, 1990, 2002, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Santiago Mele, Fernando Muslera, Sergio Rochet
  • Defenders: Ronald AraĂșjo, Santiago Bueno, SebastiĂĄn CĂĄceres, JosĂ© MarĂ­a GimĂ©nez, MathĂ­as Olivera, JoaquĂ­n Piquerez, Guillermo Varela, MatĂ­as Viña
  • Midfielders: Rodrigo Bentancur, Giorgian De Arrascaeta, NicolĂĄs De La Cruz, Emiliano MartĂ­nez, Juan Manuel Sanabria, Manuel Ugarte, Federico Valverde, Maximiliano AraĂșjo, AgustĂ­n Canobbio, Facundo Pellistri, Brian RodrĂ­guez, Rodrigo Zalazar
  • Forwards: Rodrigo Aguirre, Darwin NĂșñez, Federico Viñas
Group stage fixtures
  • June 15: vs. Saudi Arabia, Miami Stadium
  • June 21: vs. Cabo Verde, Miami Stadium
  • June 26: vs. Spain, Estadio Guadalajara

Memorable moments and records

  • Uruguay won the inaugural World Cup in 1930.
  • The team pulled off a famous upset against Brazil at the 1950 World Cup, with the match later being dubbed “El Maracanazo” (the MaracanĂŁ smash).
  • Uruguay reached the semifinals of the 2010 World Cup, and forward Diego ForlĂĄn won the Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament’s best player.
  • Uruguay holds the record for longest World Cup title drought among the countries that have won the tournament, with 76 years having passed since it last won in 1950.

Group I

France

Team Facts
  • Head coach: Didier Deschamps
  • FIFA ranking: 1
  • World Cup debut: Uruguay 1930
  • World Cup titles: 1998, 2018

World Cup appearances: 17 (1930, 1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1966, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Robin Risser, Brice Samba
  • Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas HernĂĄndez, ThĂ©o HernĂĄndez, Ibrahima KonatĂ©, Jules KoundĂ©, Maxence Lacroix, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano
  • Midfielders: N’Golo KantĂ©, Manu KonĂ©, Adrien Rabiot, AurĂ©lien TchouamĂ©ni, Warren ZaĂŻre-Emery
  • Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ©, DĂ©sirĂ© DouĂ©, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian MbappĂ©, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram
Group stage fixtures
  • June 16: vs. Senegal, New York New Jersey Stadium
  • June 22: vs. Iraq, Philadelphia Stadium
  • June 26: vs. Norway, Boston Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • France has won the World Cup twice, in 1998 and 2018.
  • French head coach Didier Deschamps is one of only three footballers—along with Brazil’s Mario Zagallo and Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer—to win the World Cup both as a player and a coach of the national team.
  • French forward Just Fontaine holds the record for most goals scored by a player in a single World Cup. He scored 13 goals at the 1958 tournament.
  • France’s Kylian MbappĂ© became the first player to win the World Cup Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer more than once (2022 and 2026).

Senegal

Team Facts
  • Captain: Kalidou Koulibaly
  • Head coach: Pape Thiaw
  • FIFA ranking: 14
  • World Cup debut: South Korea and Japan 2002
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 4 (2002, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Édouard Mendy, Yehvann Diouf, Mory Diaw
  • Defenders: KrĂ©pin Diatta, Antoine Mendy, Abdoulaye Seck, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhate, Mamadou Sarr, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Ismail Jakobs
  • Midfielders: Idrissa Gueye, Habib Diarra, Pape Matar Sarr, Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara, PathĂ© Ciss, Bara Ndiaye
  • Forwards: Sadio ManĂ©, Bamba Dieng, Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Assane Diao, Ibrahim Mbaye, Cherif Ndiaye, IsmaĂŻla Sarr
Group stage fixtures
  • June 16: vs. France, New York New Jersey Stadium
  • June 22: vs. Norway, New York New Jersey Stadium
  • June 26: vs. Iraq, Toronto Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Senegal made its World Cup debut in 2002 and defeated France, the reigning champions at the time, in the opening match of the tournament.
  • The Senegalese team advanced to the quarterfinals in its first World Cup, which remains its best performance.
  • Senegal’s contentious 1–0 extra-time victory against Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was later overturned by the ConfĂ©dĂ©ration Africaine de Football (CAF; the governing body for international football in Africa), which ruled that Senegal forfeited the match by walking off the pitch in protest during regular time. The controversy has prompted a change in football regulations. FIFA recently stated that, from the 2026 World Cup onward, a team that causes a match to be abandoned prematurely “would, in principle, forfeit.”

Iraq

Team Facts
  • Captain: Jalal Hassan
  • Head coach: Graham Arnold
  • FIFA ranking: 57
  • World Cup debut: Mexico 1986
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 2 (1986, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Ahmed Basil Fadhil, Jalal Hassan, Fahad Talib
  • Defenders: Hussein Ali, Merchas Doski, Akam Hashim, Frans Putros, Mustafa Saadoon, Rebin Sulaka, Zaid Tahseen, Manaf Younis, Ahmed Yahya
  • Midfielders: Amir Al-Ammari, Youssef Amyn, Ibrahim Bayesh, Marko Farji, Zidane Iqbal, Zaid Ismail, Ali Jassim, Aimar Sher, Kevin Yakob
  • Forwards: Mohanad “Mimi” Ali, Ali Al-Hamadi, Ahmed Qasem, Ali Yousif, Aymen Hussein
Group stage fixtures
  • June 16: vs. Norway, Boston Stadium
  • June 22: vs. France, Philadelphia Stadium
  • June 26: vs. Senegal, Toronto Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Iraq returned to the World Cup for the first time since 1986, the last time Mexico hosted the tournament.
  • The team has never won or drawn a World Cup match.
  • Iraq was one of two teams that qualified for the 2026 World Cup through the intercontinental playoffs. The Democratic Republic of the Congo advanced through a similar playoff system.

Norway

Team Facts
  • Captain: Martin Ødegaard
  • Head coach: StĂ„le Solbakken
  • FIFA ranking: 31
  • World Cup debut: France 1938
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 4 (1938, 1994, 1998, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Egil Selvik, Ørjan Nyland, Sander Tangvik
  • Defenders: Kristoffer Ajer, Fredrik AndrĂ© BjĂžrkan, Henrik Falchener, Sondre LangĂ„s, TorbjĂžrn Heggem, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, Julian Ryerson, David MĂžller Wolfe, Leo ØstigĂ„rd
  • Midfielders: Thelo Aasgaard, Fredrik Aursnes, Patrick Berg, Sander Berge, Oscar Bobb, Jens Petter Hauge, Antonio Nusa, Andreas Schjelderup, Morten Thorsby, Kristian Thorstvedt, Martin Ødegaard
  • Forwards: Erling Haaland, JĂžrgen Strand Larsen, Alexander SĂžrloth
Group stage fixtures
  • June 16: vs. Iraq, Boston Stadium
  • June 22: vs. Senegal, New York New Jersey Stadium
  • June 26: vs. France, Boston Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Norway returned to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
  • The Norwegian team was beaten by Italy in each of its three previous World Cup campaigns. The losing streak was snapped after Norway defeated Italy during the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.
  • Norway’s 2026 World Cup team, which included Premier League stars such as Martin Ødegaard and Erling Haaland, is considered the country’s “golden generation.”
  • Norway defeated five-time World Cup champion Brazil in the round of 16 of the 2026 edition.

Group J

Argentina

Lionel Messi, draped in a black ceremonial robe, holding the World Cup trophy as his Argentina teammates celebrate around him.
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2022 World Cup finalLionel Messi, captain of the Argentine national soccer team, lifts the World Cup trophy after Argentina defeated France in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar.
Diego Maradona of Argentina lifts the FIFA World Cup trophy and waves while being carried by fans and teammates in a crowded stadium after winning the 1986 final.
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Maradona celebrating Argentina's 1986 World Cup winArgentina's Diego Maradona lifts the FIFA World Cup trophy as he is carried off the field by fans and teammates after his team won the 1986 FIFA World Cup final 3–2 against West Germany at the Azteca Stadium, Mexico City.

Team Facts
  • Captain: Lionel Messi
  • Head coach: Lionel Scaloni
  • FIFA ranking: 3
  • World Cup debut: Uruguay 1930
  • World Cup titles: 1978, 1986, 2022

World Cup appearances: 19 (1930, 1934, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Emiliano MartĂ­nez, GerĂłnimo Rulli, Juan Musso
  • Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, NicolĂĄs Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Marcos Senesi, Lisandro MartĂ­nez, NicolĂĄs Tagliafico, Facundo Medina
  • Midfielders: ValentĂ­n Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, Enzo FernĂĄndez, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo de Paul, Exequiel Palacios
  • Forwards: Lionel Messi, JuliĂĄn Álvarez, Lautaro MartĂ­nez, Nico Paz, NicolĂĄs GonzĂĄlez, Giuliano Simeone, Thiago Almada, JosĂ© Manuel “Flaco” LĂłpez
Group stage fixtures
  • June 16: vs. Algeria, Kansas City Stadium
  • June 22: vs. Austria, Dallas Stadium
  • June 27: vs. Jordan, Dallas Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Argentina was the defending World Cup champion, having won the 2022 World Cup.
  • The Argentine team qualified for 14 consecutive editions of the main tournament, from 1974 to 2026.
  • Argentine player Lionel Messi won the Golden Ball in both 2014 and 2022 and became the first player to captain his national team in three World Cup final matches (2014, 2022, and 2026).

Algeria

Team Facts
  • Captain: Riyad Mahrez
  • Head coach: Vladimir Petković
  • FIFA ranking: 28
  • World Cup debut: Spain 1982
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 5 (1982, 1986, 2010, 2014, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Oussama Benbot, Melvin Mastil, Luca Zidane
  • Defenders: Achref Abada, Rayan AĂŻt-Nouri, Zineddine Belaid, Rafik Belghali, Ramy Bensebaini, Samir Chergui, Jaouen Hadjam, AĂŻssa Mandi, Mohamed Amine Tougai
  • Midfielders: Houssem Aouar, Nabil Bentaleb, Hicham Boudaoui, Ibrahim Maza, Yacine Titraoui, Fares Chaibi, Ramiz Zerrouki
  • Forwards: Mohamed Amine Amoura, Nadhir Benbouali, Adil Boulbina, Fares Ghedjemis, Amine Gouiri, Anis Hadj Moussa, Riyad Mahrez
Group stage fixtures
  • June 16: vs. Argentina, Kansas City Stadium
  • June 22: vs. Jordan, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
  • June 27: vs. Austria, Kansas City Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Algeria had a memorable debut tournament in 1982, beating West Germany 2–1 in a famous upset, and winning two of its three group stage matches. The team was famously eliminated from the 1982 World Cup on goal difference following Austria’s 1–0 group stage loss against West Germany in a match that saw almost no attacking play from either side and was later dubbed “the disgrace of GijĂłn.”
  • Algeria advanced to the knockout stage of the tournament for the first time in 2014.
  • In 2026 the team returned to the World Cup after failing to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

Austria

Team Facts
  • Captain: David Alaba
  • Head coach: Ralf Rangnick
  • FIFA ranking: 24
  • World Cup debut: Italy 1934
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 8 (1934, 1954, 1958, 1978, 1982, 1990, 1998, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Patrick Pentz, Alexander Schlager, Florian Wiegele
  • Defenders: David Affengruber, David Alaba, Kevin Danso, Marco Friedl, Philipp Lienhart, Phillipp Mwene, Stefan Posch, Alexander Prass, Michael Svoboda
  • Midfielders: Carney Chukwuemeka, Florian Grillitsch, Konrad Laimer, Marcel Sabitzer, Xaver Schlager, Romano Schmid, Alessandro Schopf, Nicolas Seiwald, Paul Wanner, Patrick Wimmer
  • Forwards: Marko Arnautovic, Michael Gregoritsch, SaĆĄa Kalajdzic
Group stage fixtures
  • June 16: vs. Jordan, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
  • June 22: vs. Argentina, Dallas Stadium
  • June 27: vs. Algeria, Kansas City Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Austria finished in third place at the 1954 World Cup and reached the semifinals in the 1934 tournament.
  • Austria beat Switzerland 7–5 in the 1954 World Cup, which became the highest scoring match in the tournament’s history.
  • The 2026 edition was Austria’s first appearance in the main World Cup tournament since 1998.

Jordan

Team Facts
  • Captain: Ihsan Haddad
  • Head coach: Jamal Sellami
  • FIFA ranking: 63
  • World Cup debut: Canada/Mexico/United States 2026
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 1 (2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Yazeed Abu Laila, Abdullah Al Fakhouri, Nour Bani Attiah
  • Defenders: Mohammad Abu Hashish, Mohammed Abu Al-Nadi, Yazan Al-Arab, Saad Al-Rousan, Anas Badawi, Abdullah Nasib, Saleem Obaid, Hussam Abu Dahab, Ehsan Haddad
  • Midfielders: Mohannad Abu Taha, Mohammed Al-Daoud, Mahmoud Al-Mardi, Nizar Al-Rashdan, Nour Al-Rawabdeh, Rajaei Ayed, Amer Jamous, Ibrahim Saadeh
  • Forwards: Odeh Al-Fakhouri, Ali Azaizeh, Ali Olwan, Ibrahim Sabra, Mousa Al-Tamari, Shararh
Group stage fixtures
  • June 16: vs. Austria, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
  • June 22: vs. Algeria, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
  • June 27: vs. Argentina, Dallas Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Jordan made its World Cup debut in 2026 following nine unsuccessful attempts to qualify for the main tournament.
  • The team previously lost against Uruguay in the intercontinental playoff final for the 2014 World Cup.
  • Jordan faced off against reigning champion Argentina in the group stage of the 2026 tournament.

Group K

Portugal

Team Facts
  • Head coach: Roberto MartĂ­nez
  • FIFA ranking: 5
  • World Cup debut: England 1966
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 9 (1966, 1986, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, JosĂ© SĂĄ, Rui Silva
  • Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunes, RĂșben Dias, NĂ©lson Semedo, JoĂŁo Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Gonçalo Inacio, Renato Veiga, TomĂĄs AraĂșjo
  • Midfielders: RĂșben Neves, SamĂș Costa, JoĂŁo Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva
  • Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, JoĂŁo FĂ©lix, Francisco TrincĂŁo, Francisco ConceicĂŁo, Pedro Neto, Rafael LeĂŁo, Gonçalo Guedes, Gonçalo Ramos
Group stage fixtures
  • June 17: vs. DRC, Houston Stadium
  • June 23: vs. Uzbekistan, Houston Stadium
  • June 27: vs. Colombia, Miami Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Portugal finished in third place in its debut World Cup, in 1966.
  • Portuguese star player EusĂ©bio was the top goal scorer at the 1966 World Cup. He scored four goals in the quarterfinal against North Korea, helping his team overturn a 0–3 deficit to win 5–3.
  • Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo is the only player to score in six separate men’s World Cups, including the 2026 edition.

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Team Facts
  • Captain: Chancel Mbemba
  • Head coach: SĂ©bastien Desabre
  • FIFA ranking: 46
  • World Cup debut: West Germany 1974 (as Zaire)
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 2 (1974 as Zaire, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Matthieu Epolo, Timothy Fayulu, Lionel Mpasi
  • Defenders: Dylan Batubinsika, Gedeon Kalulu, Steve Kapuadi, Joris Kayembe, Arthur Masuaku, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Aaron Wan-Bissaka
  • Midfielders: Theo Bongonda, Brian Cipenga, Meshack Elia, GaĂ«l Kakuta, Edo Kayembe, Aaron Tshibola, NathanaĂ«l Mbuku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Charles Pickel, Noah Sadiki
  • Forwards: CĂ©dric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Fiston Mayele, Yoane Wissa
Group stage fixtures
  • June 17: vs. Portugal, Houston Stadium
  • June 23: vs. Colombia, Estadio Guadalajara
  • June 27: vs. Uzbekistan, Atlanta Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • DRC returned to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when it was known as Zaire.
  • Mwepu Ilunga, a member of the Zaire team in 1974, famously tried to run down the game clock in an unusual manner. Before the Zaire team’s group stage match against Brazil in the 1974 World Cup, the country’s dictator Mobutu Sese Seko had threatened the players against losing by more than four goals. With 15 minutes left in the match, Brazil was leading 2–0 and was awarded a free kick in a scoring position. To delay the restart, Ilunga broke out from Zaire’s defensive wall and kicked the ball away before Brazil could take the free kick. Zaire lost the match 3–0.
  • The 2026 edition marked the first time that the DRC team scored at a World Cup, and the first time it advanced to the knockout stage.

Uzbekistan

Team Facts
  • Captain: Eldor Shomurodov
  • Head coach: Fabio Cannavaro
  • FIFA ranking: 50
  • World Cup debut: Canada/Mexico/United States 2026
  • World Cup titles: None
Fabio Cannavaro of Italy smiles and holds the FIFA World Cup trophy while wearing his team's blue jersey and captain's armband after the 2006 final victory.
Fabio Cannavaro, 2006 World CupFabio Cannavaro, then captain of the Italian football team, holding the FIFA World Cup trophy following his team's victory in a penalty shoot-out at the end of the 2006 World Cup final match against France.

World Cup appearances: 1 (2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Utkir Yusupov, Abduvokhid Nematov, Botirali Ergashev
  • Defenders: Rustam Ashurmatov, Farrukh Sayfiev, Khojiakbar Alizhonov, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Umarbek Eshmurodov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Abdulla Abdullaev, Bekhruz Karimov, Jakhongir Urozov, Avazbek Ulmasaliev
  • Midfielders: Otabek Shukurov, Jaloliddin Masharipov, Odilzhon Khamrobekov, Oston Urunov, Jamshid Iskanderov, Dostonbek Khamdamov, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Akmal Mozgovoy, Azizjon Ganiev, Sherzod Esanov
  • Forwards: Eldor Shomurodov, Igor Sergeev, Azizbek Amonov
Group stage fixtures
  • June 17: vs. Colombia, Mexico City Stadium
  • June 23: vs. Portugal, Houston Stadium
  • June 27: vs. DRC, Atlanta Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Uzbekistan made its World Cup debut in 2026.
  • The team previously failed to qualify for the main tournament seven times.
  • Uzbekistan’s head coach, Fabio Cannavaro, previously won the World Cup as captain of the Italian team in 2006.

Colombia

Team Facts
  • Captain: James RodrĂ­guez
  • Head coach: NĂ©stor Lorenzo
  • FIFA ranking: 13
  • World Cup debut: Chile 1962
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 7 (1962, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2014, 2018, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: David Ospina, Álvaro Montero, Camilo Vargas
  • Defenders: Santiago Arias, Willer Ditta, Jhon LucumĂ­, Deiver Machado, Yerry Mina, Johan Mojica, Daniel Muñoz, Davinson SĂĄnchez
  • Midfielders: Jhon Arias, Jaminton Campaz, Jorge Carrascal, Kevin Castaño, Jefferson Lerma, Juan Portilla, Gustavo Puerta, Juan Fernando Quintero, James RodrĂ­guez, Richard RĂ­os
  • Forwards: Jhon CĂłrdoba, Luis DĂ­az, Carlos AndrĂ©s GĂłmez, Cucho HernĂĄndez, Luis SuĂĄrez
Group stage fixtures
  • June 17: vs. Uzbekistan, Mexico City Stadium
  • June 23: vs. DRC, Estadio Guadalajara
  • June 27: vs. Portugal, Miami Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Colombia reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 2014.
  • James RodrĂ­guez won the 2014 Golden Boot award for the tournament’s top scorer.
  • The Colombian team was a heavy favorite at the 1994 World Cup, but was knocked out in the group stage, in part because of an own goal scored by the team’s captain, AndrĂ©s Escobar. Less than two weeks after the team was eliminated, Escobar was fatally shot outside a nightclub in MedellĂ­n, Colombia. (Read more: Was AndrĂ©s Escobar Killed for Scoring an Own Goal?)

Group L

England

England captain Bobby Moore, Martin Peters holding the World Cup trophy, and Geoff Hurst parade on the pitch at Wembley Stadium after winning the 1966 FIFA World Cup final, with goalkeeper Gordon Banks waving behind them.
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England win 1966 FIFA World CupCaptain of the English football team Bobby Moore (left) parades on the pitch with strikers Martin Peters (holding the World Cup trophy), and Geoff Hurst (right) after winning the 1966 World Cup final against West Germany on July 30 at Wembley Stadium, London.
Harry Kane of England, wearing a white uniform and captain's armband, runs with the ball during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match against Albania.
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England's Harry KaneHarry Kane in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Albania on November 16, 2025, at Air Albania Stadium, Tirana, Albania.

Team Facts
  • Captain: Harry Kane
  • Head coach: Thomas Tuchel
  • FIFA ranking: 4
  • World Cup debut: Brazil 1950
  • World Cup titles: 1966

World Cup appearances: 17 (1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford
  • Defenders: Nico O’Reilly, Djed Spence, Marc GuĂ©hi, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, John Stones, Jarell Quansah, Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah
  • Midfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson, Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers
  • Forwards: Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon
Group stage fixtures
  • June 17: vs. Croatia, Dallas Stadium
  • June 23: vs. Ghana, Boston Stadium
  • June 27: vs. Panama, New York New Jersey Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • England hosted and won the 1966 World Cup against West Germany 4–2 after extra time, with English forward Geoff Hurst becoming the first player to score a hat trick in a World Cup final.
  • England reached the semifinals of the tournament in 1990 and 2018.
  • English forward Harry Kane won the 2018 Golden Boot for being the top goal scorer.
  • England’s third-place finish in the 2026 World Cup is the country’s best result since its title-winning campaign in 1966.

Croatia

Team Facts
  • Captain: Luka Modrić
  • Head coach: Zlatko Dalić
  • FIFA ranking: 11
  • World Cup debut: France 1998
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 7 (1998, 2002, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Dominik Livaković, Dominik Kotarski, Ivor Pandur
  • Defenders: Josip StaniĆĄić, JoĆĄko Gvardiol, Luka VuĆĄković, Martin Erlić, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Josip Ć utalo, Marin Pongračić
  • Midfielders: Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Kristijan Jakic, Mario PaĆĄalić, Nikola VlaĆĄić, Luka Sučić, Nikola Moro, Martin Baturina, Petar Sučić, Toni Fruk
  • Forwards: Marco PaĆĄalić, Ivan PeriĆĄić, Andrej Kramarić, Igor Matanović, Petar Musa, Ante Budimir
Group stage fixtures
  • June 17: vs. England, Dallas Stadium
  • June 23: vs. Panama, Toronto Stadium
  • June 27: vs. Ghana, Philadelphia Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Croatia finished as runner-up in the 2018 World Cup, losing 4–2 to France in the final. Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić was awarded the Golden Ball for the player of the tournament.
  • Croatia finished in third place in both its debut tournament in 1998, and in 2022.
  • At the 2006 World Cup, referee Graham Poll showed Croatian player Josip Ć imunić a total of three yellow cards during the match.

Ghana

Team Facts
  • Captain: Jordan Ayew
  • Head coach: Carlos Queiroz
  • FIFA ranking: 74
  • World Cup debut: Germany 2006
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 5 (2006, 2010, 2014, 2022, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Joseph Anang, Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi
  • Defenders: Jonas Adjetey, Derrick Luckassen, Gideon Mensah, Abdul Mumin, Jerome Opoku, Kojo Eppong Peprah, Marvin Senaya, Alidu Seidu, Baba Abdul Rahman
  • Midfielders: Augustine Boakye, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Elisha Owusu, Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Caleb Yirenki
  • Forwards: Jordan Ayew, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Prince Kwabena Adu, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Iñaki Williams
Group stage fixtures
  • June 17: vs. Panama, Toronto Stadium
  • June 23: vs. England, Boston Stadium
  • June 27: vs. Croatia, Philadelphia Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Ghana reached the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup, where the team faced off against Uruguay. In the closing seconds of extra time, with the score at 1–1, Uruguayan forward Luis SuĂĄrez deliberately blocked the ball using his hand in front of the goal to prevent Ghana from scoring. Ghanaian player Asamoah Gyan failed to score the subsequent penalty kick, and the team ended up losing the match in the penalty shoot-out after extra time.
  • The team failed to advance past the group stage at the 2022 World Cup.
  • Ghana defeated the Czech Republic (Czechia) during its debut tournament in 2006.

Panama

Team Facts
  • Captain: AnĂ­bal Godoy
  • Head coach: Thomas Christiansen
  • FIFA ranking: 33
  • World Cup debut: Russia 2018
  • World Cup titles: None

World Cup appearances: 2 (2018, 2026)

Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Luis MejĂ­a, Orlando Mosquera, CĂ©sar Samudio
  • Defenders: AndrĂ©s Andrade, CĂ©sar Blackman, JosĂ© CĂłrdoba, Éric Davis, Fidel Escobar, Edgardo Fariña, Jorge GutiĂ©rrez, Roderick Miller, Amir Murillo, Jiovany Ramos
  • Midfielders: Yoel BĂĄrcenas, Adalberto Carrasquilla, AnĂ­bal Godoy, Carlos Harvey, Azarias Londoño, Cristian MartĂ­nez, Alberto Quintero, JosĂ© Luis RodrĂ­guez, CĂ©sar Yanis
  • Forwards: Ismael DĂ­az, JosĂ© Fajardo, TomĂĄs Rodriguez, Cecilio Waterman
Group stage fixtures
  • June 17: vs. Ghana, Toronto Stadium
  • June 23: vs. Croatia, Toronto Stadium
  • June 27: vs. England, New York New Jersey Stadium

Memorable moments and records

  • Panama made its second World Cup appearance, having debuted in 2018.
  • Panamanian defender Felipe Baloy scored Panama’s first and only World Cup goal, against England in 2018.
  • Panama has yet to win or draw a World Cup match.
Tushaar Kuthiala