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What is the Group of Death in the 2026 World Cup? Who is in it?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw has ended, revealing the pathway to success for the 48 nations that will take part in next summer's tournament.
All 48 participating teams — with six still to be decided via play-offs next March — have been drawn into 12 groups of four, with consideration paid to the FIFA world rankings and the confederations that each nation is a part of.
While the organisers always aim to make the 12 groups as balanced as possible, some groups are different than others. For next summer, one group stands out above the rest of as "Group of Death."
Here's what that means.
What is the Group of Death?
The Group of Death at any given sporting event is the one that — on paper — appears to be the toughest from top to bottom.
This is generally a subjective term, but it is often based on competitive factors such as the world rankings of the respective teams, previous experience and recent results of the teams, and other considerations.
Where does the term 'Group of Death' come from?
According to Motson's World Cup Extravaganza, the term was coined by Mexican journalists in regards to Group 3 of the 1970 World Cup. That group featured then-reigning world champions England, Pele-led Brazil, recent World Cup runners-up Czechoslovakia and Romania, earning it the title "El Grupo de la Muerte."
The term caught on in future tournaments and is now a regular designation for many sporting events that use similar formats to the World Cup.
Which group is the Group of Death at FIFA World Cup 26?
Getty Images
DAZN News has analysed the 12 groups and come to a consensus that Group I, consisting of France, Senegal, the intercontinental path 2 winner (either Bolivia, Suriname or Iraq) and Norway, is the Group of Death for the upcoming competition.
According to December's FIFA world rankings, Group I has three teams inside the top 29. The French (3rd) lead the way and are favourites to win the group, but Senegal (19th) and Norway (29th) each boast top-class talent and could challenge the two-time world champions when they face off.
With the likes of Erling Haaland and Sadio Mané in the group alongside Kylain Mbappé and a number of other stars, the competitive level among the three known teams in Group I could be higher than the other groups in 2026.
And then there's the wild card in the intercontinental play-off, which could produce a team to provide a substantial hurdle (or banana peel) for the other three nations in Group I.
Where can I see the full draw results and fixture list for FIFA World Cup 26?
The full draw results and fixture list can be seen here.
When is the FIFA World Cup 26?
The tournament kicks off June 11, 2026, with host nation Mexico taking on South Africa at the famed Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Nearly six weeks later, the last of the 104 games - the World Cup 26 Final - will be played at MetLife Stadium just outside of New York City on July 19, 2026.
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