World Cup 2026 draw: Portugal has an easy time, England has a hard time

The 2026 World Cup draw ceremony opened with special artistic performances, including a performance of the tournament's theme song by two famous singers, Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger.

After a stirring speech, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the first winner of the FIFA Peace Prize, President Donald Trump.

Under the control of former player Rio Ferdinand, the draws appeared one after another and created many attractive groups. Groups I and L are two groups that attract attention, when the teams do not have too much difference in level. In their first World Cup, Erling Haaland and his teammates will have to face two strong opponents, France and Senegal.

Meanwhile, England also face difficulties when they have to face Croatia and Ghana. Any mistake can make the "Three Lions" pay a heavy price.

Groups at the 2026 World Cup.

Attention is also focused on Argentina and Portugal. The draw has given these two teams not too strong opponents. Argentina only has to face Algeria, Austria and Jordan, while Portugal only has Colombia as a worthy opponent in Group K.

Another big name, Brazil, is also in a fairly easy group with Morocco, Haiti - a team participating in the World Cup for the first time, and Scotland.

Fans also witnessed something interesting, when the opening match of the 2026 World Cup was also the first match of the world championship that took place 16 years ago. Mexico and South Africa had an emotional reunion at the Azteca Stadium on June 11.

FIFA confirmed the application of a Wimbledon-style draw mechanism, ensuring that the strongest teams will only face each other from the 2026 World Cup semi-finals onwards if they top their groups.

Under the new system, the top four teams in the FIFA rankings, including Spain (1), Argentina (2), France (3) and England (4), will be divided into two opposing brackets right from the start of the competition schedule.

This means the Three Lions can avoid France, Argentina or Spain until the last four, as long as they finish top of the group. This mechanism was tested by FIFA at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19. The group stage ends on June 27. The final will be played at MetLife Stadium (New York) on July 19.

Source: https://znews.vn/boc-tham-world-cup-2026-bo-dao-nha-de-tho-anh-gap-kho-post1608846.html