Home / Sports / World Cup Draw: USA's Path, France's Gauntlet Revealed
World Cup Draw: USA's Path, France's Gauntlet Revealed
7 Dec, 2025
Summary
- USA's draw offers a strong chance for a quarter-final appearance.
- France faces a challenging 'Group of Death' with Norway and Senegal.
- Legends like Tom Brady and Wayne Gretzky participated in the draw.
The stage is set for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a draw ceremony in Washington D.C., with sports legends like Tom Brady and Wayne Gretzky unveiling the groups. Reigning champions Argentina have been placed with Austria, Algeria, and Jordan, while France, the 2022 runners-up, faces a formidable challenge in a group including Norway and Senegal.
The United States, a co-host, has been presented with a favorable draw, increasing their chances of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002. Their group includes Australia, Paraguay, and a weaker UEFA play-off winner. Meanwhile, Belgium's 'Golden Generation' looks set to navigate a group with Iran, Egypt, and New Zealand, despite a shaky qualifying campaign.
Spain, ranked highest, also received a relatively easy draw, enhancing their prospects of winning the tournament. Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, faces Uzbekistan and potentially DR Congo or Jamaica. Notably, Argentina and Portugal are on the same side of the draw, making a final clash between Lionel Messi and Ronaldo's teams a possibility in the quarter-finals.
