2026 World Cup predictions: Group by group takeaways, must-see games

Email

Print

The groups are now set for the 2026 FIFA World Cup! With the conclusion of Friday's draw, we now know which teams will square off in the group stage of the tournament, and many tantalizing matchups are in store.

The United States will face Paraguay in their first World Cup match on home soil in 32 years. Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland will go toe-to-toe for France and Norway, respectively. And England will take on Croatia eight years after the Three Lions fell to the same nation in the semifinals.

What are the top matches to watch, and how will it all go down? We asked ESPN's writers to break down each group, highlight the top storylines and make their predictions as the clock…