How would Canada, US and Mexico perform in their World Cup groups?

Canada, Mexico, and the United States discovered their group stage opponents for the 2026 World Cup, which they will co-host in June. The draw was conducted by sports icons Tom Brady, Shaquille O'Neal, Aaron Judge, and Wayne Gretzky, who revealed which teams the hosts will face on their road to the knockout rounds.

This edition of the World Cup will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams for the first time. By comparison, the 1994 World Cup in the United States included only 24 nations, expanding to 32 in 1998, and staying at that number until now. The expanded format has created a complex draw process, generating many possible matchups and outcomes.

As host nations, Canada, Mexico, and the United States automatically entered pot one alongside the top-ranked teams, offering a potential advantage in navigating the group stage. Their key focus was on which teams from pot two would join their groups, as these are likely to be the most challenging opponents.

Mexico, placed in Group A, will contend with South Korea, led by star forward Son Heung-min, who recently joined Los Angeles FC. South Korea remained unbeaten in Asian qualifying, conceding only eight goals across 16 matches. Mexico, the strongest host in recent regional competitionshaving won the Nations League in March and the Gold Cup in Julywill open at Estadio Azteca on June 11 against South Africa, followed by a match against the winner of a UEFA playoff between Denmark, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic, and the Republic of Ireland.

Canada, drawn in Group B, faces Switzerland, a team that also remained unbeaten during qualifying. Joining them are 2018 hosts Qatar, and potentially a tough European opponent from another UEFA playoff, likely Italy. Canada, coached by Jesse Marsch, will need to be prepared for strong defensive and tactical challenges.

The United States, in Group D, appears to have the most manageable draw among the hosts. The Americans will meet Australia from pot two, a team that qualified as runners-up in Asian qualifying, and Paraguay from pot three. The final slot will be filled by a UEFA playoff winner, with potential opponents including Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo. Under coach Mauricio Pochettino, the US team is expected to progress comfortably to the knockout stages.

With favorable draws and the advantage of playing at home, Canada, Mexico, and the United States all have promising opportunities to advance beyond the group stage, which would energize the tournament and delight fans across North America.

Author: Aiden Foster