The Post’s Ethan Sears breaks down the World Cup 2026 draw:
Group of Death
The format which features a 48-team field in which eight third-place teams will get through the group stage blunts the idea of a Group of Death a little bit.
But Group C (Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti) and Group I (France, Senegal, Norway and an intercontinental playoff winner) are both ripe for upsets.
Easiest group
Defending champions Argentina should cruise through Group J against Algeria, Austria and Jordan.
That said, La Albiceleste lost a shocker in the group stage to Saudi Arabia in 2022, so nothing should be taken for granted.
FIFA President Giovanni Infantino is pictured during the World Cup draw Dec. 5. Shutterstock
Long shots to watch
Norway is not a traditional powerhouse, but brings star power to the tournament with Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard and is coming off a dominant qualifying run.
South Korea has a favorable draw in Group A.
Erling Haaland could make Norway a team to watch in the 2026 World Cup. REUTERSJapan will be a very tough out.
Favorite in trouble
Depending who gets through the UEFA playoffs, Group F could suddenly look tough for the Netherlands.
The expanded format will make it tough for any powerhouses to bow out early though, barring a total disaster.
Best games to watch
England-Croatia, Brazil-Morocco and France-Norway look like the best matchups of the group stage.
Honorable mention to any Scotland game — it’s their first World Cup since 1998, the fan base travels well and the team plays an entertaining brand of soccer.
