Early bets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Morocco to shine, Australia to struggle
With the group stage now set after Friday's draw, here are the smart bets we're hurrying to make.
Can Tunisia cause an upset in Group F? (1:34)
World Cup draw: Socceroos get USMNT, Japan to face the Netherlands
Group of Death? Proceed with cautious optimism? Is the group winnable?! Joey Lynch and Gabe Tan break down the draws for AFC heavyweights Australia, Japan, and South Korea.
De la Fuente demands WC group sweep for Spain
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente urged his team to win the Group H to avoid a possible matchup with Argentina in the Round of 32.
Do South Africa have reasons to be optimistic after World Cup draw? (1:24)
Could Morocco beat Brazil in Group C at the World Cup? (1:13)
Could Mo Salah fire Egypt to World Cup success? (1:28)
Are Jesse Marsch and Craig Bellamy destined to butt heads again at World Cup 2026? (0:44)
2026 World Cup: England's Tuchel ready to realise childhood dream in tournament
Thomas Tuchel has said managing England at next year's World Cup will trigger childhood memories of the tournament being "like somewhere from Mars"
Lynch: World Cup draw 'could have been a lot worse' for Socceroos (1:06)
Lebouef doesn't believe Germany belong with the World Cup favourites (1:20)
Black Stars' Addo knows Ghana must start well against Panama (0:53)
Thomas Tuchel not thinking about squad selection after draw (1:03)
Onuoha backs England to go all the way at the World Cup (1:19)
Burley doubts Ronaldo can lead Portugal to World Cup glory (1:12)
2026 World Cup draw: Canada's Jesse Marsch eager for 'outstanding' home Italy fixture
Jesse Marsch has told Wales coach Craig Bellamy that he is ready to renew their rivalry if the Red Dragons claim the final spot in Group B.
Poch: USMNT can't be complacent after WC draw
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino said his objective over the next six months is to continue to improve the squad and "show full respect" for its World Cup group stage opponents.
Do Scotland have a shot of qualifying in a group with Spain and Morocco? (1:23)
Harry Kane excited by England's 2026 World Cup draw (0:45)
How Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could face-off in WC quarterfinals (1:09)
Argentina to start WC title defense against Algeria
Argentina and Lionel Messi will play Algeria to open its World Cup title defense as part of a group that also includes Austria and Jordan.
England 2026 World Cup draw: Three Lions face Croatia, Panama, Ghana
England have been drawn into Group L for next summer's 2026 World Cup alongside Croatia, Panama and Ghana.
Moreno: Austria could be 'problematic' for Argentina in Group J (1:08)
2026 World Cup predictions: Group by group takeaways, must-see games
The draw is complete for the 2026 World Cup! What are the top matches to watch, and how will it all go down? We asked ESPN's writers to break down each group, highlight the storylines and make their predictions.
2026 World Cup draw: Who could Northern Ireland and Wales play?
Northern Ireland and Wales have learned what awaits them if they qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA World Cup Standings
| Group A | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| South Africa | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| South Korea | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Winner Playoff Path D | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Group B | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
| Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Winner Playoff Path A | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Qatar | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Switzerland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Group C | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
| Brazil | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Morocco | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Haiti | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Scotland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Group D | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
| United States | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Paraguay | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Australia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Winner Playoff Path C | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Group E | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
| Germany | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Curacao | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ivory Coast | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ecuador | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Group F | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
| Netherlands | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Japan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Winner Playoff Path B | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tunisia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Group G | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
| Belgium | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Egypt | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Iran | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| New Zealand | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Group H | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
| Spain | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cape Verde | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Saudi Arabia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Uruguay | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Group I | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
| France | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Senegal | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Intercontinental Playoff Path 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Norway | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Group J | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
| Argentina | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Algeria | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Austria | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jordan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Group K | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
| Portugal | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Intercontinental Playoff Path 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Uzbekistan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Group L | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
| England | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Croatia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ghana | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Panama | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
