The 2026 FIFA World Cup groups are settled, and playoff games in March will determine the final slots. President Donald Trump was awarded a peace prize.

The World Cup begins on June 11, 2026 as co-host Mexico plays the opener in Mexico City, with the USA (Los Angeles) and Canada (Toronto) kicking off a day later. The group stage runs until June 27, with synchronized start times in each group for the final matches in the round-robin.

First, it’s an opening game against Erling Haaland's Norway, which won every qualifier on their way to the World Cup. After that, it’s the winner of Bolivia, Iraq or Suriname, ending with a game against Senegal, a country so deeply connected to the French, who also did well in qualifiers.

President Donald Trump is confident in the security of host cities months ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take center stage, telling reporters ahead of the draw in Washington, D.C., that the government will "take care" of any concerns if needed.

Below are the 12 confirmed groups for the 2026 World Cup next summer. Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, UEFA playoff D winner (Denmark, Czechia, Republic of Ireland, North Macedonia) Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, UEFA playoff A winner (Italy, Wales, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Northern Ireland)

The United States will face Australia, Paraguay and a European playoff winner in group stage play when the tournament opens next summer.

The U.S. men's national team take on the best teams from across the globe at next year's World Cup. Here's what to know.