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The glitzy draw event for the 2026 FIFA World Cup recently unfolded, capturing the attention of sports enthusiasts worldwide.
For the first time since 1974, Australia is set to face off against the host nation, Germany.
The event was illuminated by the presence of sporting legends, including NFL great Tom Brady, ice hockey’s Wayne Gretzky, and former NBA powerhouse Shaquille O’Neal, who played pivotal roles in conducting the draw.
The group will also feature the team that emerges victorious from playoff C, which includes Turkiye, Romania, Slovakia, and Kosovo.
A spokesperson shared, “Facing a team from UEFA Play-Off C adds an element of unpredictability since we play them first—yet, the excitement is palpable.”
How tough is Australia’s group?
“Full respect, but yes, believing that we can go through. But we need to perform.”
The Socceroos have never faced Kosovo, they’ve lost twice to Türkiye, have one defeat against Romania and one draw against Slovakia.
When and where are the Socceroos playing?
Six days later, for their last match, Australia will face Paraguay in Santa Clara.
What if the Socceroos qualify?
Finishing one of the eight best third-placers will also mean that the Socceroos will face the Group E, I, or K winner.
Full group draw revealed
- Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Play-off D winner (Czechia, Ireland, Denmark or Macedonia
- Group B: Canada, Play-off A winner (Wales, Bosnia and Herzegovinam, Italy or Northern Ireland), Qatar, Switzerland,
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
- Group D: The US, Paraguay, Australia, Play-off C winner (Slovakia, Kosovo, Turkiye or Romania)
- Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Play-off B winner (Ukraine, Sweden, Poland or Albania) Tunisia
- Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
- Group H: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
- Group I: France, Senegal, Play-off 2 winner (Bolivia, Suriname or Iraq), Norway
- Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
- Group K: Portugal, Play-off 1 winner (New Caledonia, Jamaica or Democratic Republic of the Congo), Uzbekistan, Colombia
- Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
Which is ‘the group of death’?
Group L (England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama) is another one to watch, as England might be looking for revenge from Croatia, who beat them in the 2018 World Cup semifinal, bringing their World Cup streak to an end at that time
Trump winning the controversial ‘2025 FIFA peace prize’
Infantino said: “This is what we want from a leader, a leader that cares about the people. We want to live in a safe world, in a safe environment … and you definitely deserve the first FIFA peace prize.”
FIFA said the peace prize “recognises the enormous efforts of those individuals who unite people, bringing hope for future generations”. Source: AP / Chris Carlson/AP
The prize was announced in early November and has since raised questions about whether Trump will be its first recipient.
“The world is a safer place now … Now I have to say we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world and we’re going to keep it that way,” he said.
