The 48-team playing field for World Cup 2026 is all set after DR Congo and Iraq secured the final two spots via the recently concluded inter-confederation play-offs. The Leopards and the Mesopotamian Lions will be in Groups K and I, respectively, joining Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia, France, Senegal, and Norway.
For the longest time, the term “Group of Death” has been coined across various editions of the World Cup, as there has always been one standout group stacked with more firepower. But now that the playing field has significantly grown this year, the talent is no longer saturated.
However, there are still a handful of groups that seem to have it harder than others. And today, SBOTOP examines those four groups.
Group I (France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway)
Group I seems to be the hardest group to get out of, as none of the four teams are outside the Top 60 of the updated FIFA rankings. At the time of writing, France are No. 1, Senegal are No. 14, Norway are No. 31, and Iraq are No. 57.
The World Cup 2026 odds have France as among the top favourites to win it all, given their stacked roster and collective experience. Les Bleus are so deep that they can arguably make two solid, separate starting XIs, with Didier Deschamps – who knows what it takes to win the World Cup – still as their head coach.
Senegal hoisted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy not too long ago, and the Lions of Teranga also have a strong European contingent. Norway are also a serious team, with Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, and Alexander Sorloth among their top stars, capable of creating World Cup 2026 highlights. Iraq are likely to finish last, but are determined to make noise, given what they’ve been through on and off the pitch in the past few weeks.
Group F (Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia)
One can argue that the second-hardest group is Group F, with the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia ranked seventh, 18th, 38th, and 44th, respectively, in the updated FIFA rankings.
The Netherlands are the strongest nation in the group, given their robust European contingent. Most of their key players from the previous World Cup are still active, mixed with several intriguing youngsters, and they have Ronald Koeman as their head coach.
Japan have always been a tricky opponent, and they’ve advanced to the knockouts in almost each of their past six World Cup campaigns. With a growing European contingent, head coach Hajime Moriyasu will have his pick of the litter.
Sweden are also strong with Graham Potter as their head coach. Victor Lindelof is their skipper, and Viktor Gyokeres is their top attacking threat. If Alexander Isak suddenly heals up, then watch out. Anthony Elanga, Hugo Larsson, Lucas Bergvall, and Yasin Ayari will also play pivotal roles for the Blagult.
Tunisia might finish last in the group, but they’ll try to make their trip to the United States and Mexico count, with Ellyes Skhiri and Rani Khedira leading the way.
Group L (England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama)
England have been waiting for so long to end their trophy drought, and they have a chance to do that this year, starting in Group L, where they’re bunched with Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.
Similar to France, England also boast world-class players in almost all sides of the pitch, with Thomas Tuchel – an upgrade over Gareth Southgate – at the head coaching helm. Harry Kane will captain the Three Lions once again, with Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Jordan Pickford as some of the other central figures.
Croatia are packed with grizzled veterans, and they refreshed their squad with the additions of Igor Matanovic, Luka Sucic, and Josko Gvardiol, among others. Ghana have the likes of Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, and Kamaldeen Sulemana, with Jordan Ayew as their skipper. Panama, ranked 33rd in the FIFA rankings, are composed of several unknowns who plan to make their first finals count.
Group C (Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland)
Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland are in for a three-way battle for the Top 2 spots in Group C, with Haiti expected to settle for last place.
Under Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil are determined to make a deep run in the tournament, and they’re flanked by their unique mix of local and European-based talents. Morocco raised eyebrows with their fourth-place finish in 2022 and were controversially named the champions of the Africa Cup of Nations. Scotland are back for the first time since 1998, and most of their top stars currently ply their trades in Serie A.
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