Here is our look at the first groups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Group A
Mexico
Coach: Javier Aguirre
Star Player: Raul Jimenez
How made it: Co-Host
What to watch for: They lack technically skilled players like in years past. Jimenez’s stint as Fulham’s striker has been good, but at 35 years of age, like many of the El Tri, have aged to a point where that could be a problem. This is a team that can make it to the round of 16 or can flame out early.
South Korea
Coach: Hong Myung-bo
Star Player: Son Heung-Min
How made it: Undefeated in qualifying
What to watch for: Injuries are killing this club. South Korea has star power and solid players, but these players have been or are just coming back from injuries or lack of playing time with their clubs.
Czechia
Coach: Miroslav Koubek
Star Player: Patrick Schick
How made it: FIFA Playoffs
What to watch for: FIFA’s 41st ranked team has a solid coach with experienced players. Schick was a force in the German Bundesliga.
South Africa
Coach: Hugo Broos
Star Player: Teboho Mokoena
How made it: Defeated Nigeria in qualifying
What to watch for: Hard to give an idea of this club. They are experienced, with a great coach. They are truly eleven working together as one.
Group B
Switzerland
Coach: Murat Yakin
Star Player: Granit Xhaka
How made it: Undefeated in qualifying
What to watch for: They will make the round of 16, but can they make it out of that to the quarters? They made it to the final 8 teams in the Euro Championship. Healthy and ready to make their mark on the 2026 WC.
Canada
Coach: Jesse Marsch
Star Player: Alphonso Davies
How made it: Like Mexico and US, co-hosts
What to watch for: Solid defensively, but injuries, touch group, and never won a World Cup match. Weird traveling, too. First game in Toronto, then cross country to Vancouver.
Qatar
Coach: Julen Lopetegui
Star Player: Akram Afif
How made it: Won the three-playoff final versus UAE and Oman
What to watch for: Lopetegui got the gig when it looked like they were not making the WC. But attention to defense and quick counters were key. Can the defense stay sharp? Tough group!
Bosnia/Herzegovina
Coach: Sergej Barbarez
Star Player: Edin Dzecko
How made it: Defeated Wales and Italy for the last spot
What to watch for: Aggressive defending, speed in their youngsters, but that enthusiasm can lead to unpredictable outcomes.
How to watch…thanks to Yahoo Sports!
How to watch 2026 World Cup live, stream links, TV channel, dates, times and Groups
Dates: June 11 to July 19, 2026
Where: 16 stadiums across Canada, Mexico and the USA — Details
Streaming: All 104 games available to watch on Peacock (en Espanol)
TV channel: Telemundo (92 games) and Universo (12 games)
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