New Delhi, May 30: The FIFA World Cup 2026, the largest global football event, is set to kick off on June 11. This tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. For the first time, a total of 48 teams will participate, competing in 104 matches. Among these, four teams will make their debut in this prestigious competition.
The debutants are Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.
Cape Verde is placed in Group H, which includes the 2010 champions Spain, the winners of 1930 and 1950, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.
Curacao is part of Group E, which features Germany, a four-time champion (1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014), along with Ecuador and Ivory Coast.
Jordan is in Group J, where Argentina, the champions of 1978, 1986, and 2022, also competes. This could potentially be the last World Cup for Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, making it a significant opportunity for all players in the group to play alongside him.
Uzbekistan is in Group K, which includes Colombia, Portugal, and Congo. Portugal, led by legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, is aiming for its first World Cup victory. At 41, this may also be Ronaldo’s final World Cup, presenting a unique chance for players in the group to share the field with him.
Qatar, the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, will participate in the upcoming tournament based on its qualification. Qatar is placed in Group B, alongside Switzerland, Canada, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
All 48 teams are divided into 12 groups. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will qualify for the knockout stage.
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