With the announcement of the final seeding pots for the 2026 World Cup by FIFA, some potentially spectacular combinations in North America are now possible.
The top four clubs in the FIFA rankings will have extra protection if they win their groups, according to the governing organization, which also explained how the tournament will operate.
Argentina, which is placed second, and Spain, which is in first place, will therefore not be able to play each other until the final. France, ranked third, and England, ranked fourth, are subject to the same rule.
These heavyweight matches are limited to the semi-final stage in what authorities referred to as a “tennis-style” bracket under the FIFA framework. The system is similar to how big tennis tournaments keep top seeds away.
But as soon as any of these parties make a mistake during the group phase, the advantage vanishes. If any of them get to the knockout stages without winning their group, they will no longer have their safe road and may face other giants much sooner.
The following FIFA World Cup pots have been confirmed for 2026:
Pot 1: Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Canada, Mexico, the United States, Spain, Argentina, France, and England
Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Iran, Korea Republic, Ecuador, Austria, and Australia comprise Pot 2.
Pot 3: Côte d’Ivoire, Uzbekistan, Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa
Pot 4: European Play-Off A, B, C, and D; FIFA Play-Off Tournament 1 and 2; Jordan; Cabo Verde; Ghana; Curaçao; Haiti; New Zealand
Fans will now be able to see the complete picture of the tournament and learn which teams their teams will play against on the way to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on December 5.
