M88WorldCups - The results of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Draw have been officially announced, presenting a series of exciting group stage matches across the global tournament next year.

After the draw ceremony concluded, coaches from the participating teams shared their views with FIFA regarding their prospective opponents, their teams’ development throughout 2025, and the preparations that will be undertaken ahead of the start of the tournament.

Algeria – Vladimir Petkovic

He assessed the group as very interesting and consisting of three teams that will compete closely for second place, with Argentina regarded as the clear favorite.

According to him, Argentina are the strongest team in the group, while Algeria, Austria, and Jordan will give their maximum effort to secure second position. He stated that opportunities remain open and emphasized that his team’s objective is always to win, expressing optimism about progressing to the next phase.

Argentina – Lionel Scaloni

Scaloni considered all opponents in the group to be strong teams. Austria were described as having performed very well in qualification, Algeria as possessing a playing style that must be respected, and Jordan as having shown impressive performances throughout the qualifiers. He emphasized that Argentina will continue to compete at the highest level by integrating young players to keep the team fresh and competitive.

Australia – Tony Popovic

Popovic expressed great enthusiasm from the Australian public after learning about the opponents they will face. He stated that his team has developed rapidly, especially with the achievement of automatic qualification for the World Cup. The playing opportunities given to many young players in friendly matches were seen as strengthening squad depth, and the focus has now shifted to final preparations.

Belgium – Rudi Garcia

Garcia admitted that he is looking forward to the match against Egypt, particularly because he previously coached Mohamed Salah at AS Roma. He described the group as interesting because Belgium will face teams they rarely encounter, without the presence of another European nation. He referred to the tournament as the beginning of a highly anticipated adventure.

Brazil – Carlo Ancelotti

Ancelotti assessed Brazil’s group as very difficult, with Morocco and Scotland as strong opponents. He highlighted Morocco’s achievements at the previous World Cup as well as Scotland’s physical strength and solidity. Nevertheless, he maintained confidence in the quality of the Brazilian national team.

Canada – Jesse Marsch

Marsch described Canada’s group as challenging yet interesting, although one opponent from the European play-off route remains unknown. He highlighted the quality of the coaches within the group and viewed the challenge as something that excites him in preparing the team.

Croatia – Zlatko Dalic

Dalic stated that the tournament will feature the best players in the world. England were identified as the main favorites in the group and the most important match for Croatia. He recalled his team’s success in winning medals at previous World Cups and emphasized that a new generation is emerging, supported by experienced senior players.

Colombia – Nestor Lorenzo

Lorenzo reviewed his team’s qualification journey, which was initially difficult but later showed consistency through positive results. He hopes the team will continue to develop and be ready for intensive preparations, including training camps and logistical arrangements, to ensure players arrive in optimal condition.

Ivory Coast – Emerse Fae

Fae assessed the group as high quality but still within his team’s reach. Ivory Coast’s main objective is to progress from the group stage for the first time in World Cup history. He emphasized the importance of seriousness and self-belief, alongside the rapid development of African football.

Curaçao – Dick Advocaat

Advocaat described Curaçao’s participation as a historic moment. He considered the qualification important for the island and the players. He portrayed his team as a hardworking squad that is difficult for anyone to defeat.

Egypt – Hossam Hassan

Hassan expressed confidence in the quality and ambition of the Egyptian players. He emphasized that the team’s objective is to perform better than at the previous World Cup, in line with Egypt’s status as the most successful nation in the Africa Cup of Nations.

England – Thomas Tuchel

Tuchel assessed that England showed significant improvement in the second half of the year, both in terms of energy and results. Although there is still a long wait before the tournament begins, he assured that his team will be fully prepared when the competition starts.

France – Didier Deschamps

Deschamps described France’s group as tough and competitive. Senegal and Norway were assessed as having high quality, particularly with Norway’s attacking sharpness. He emphasized that France will also be regarded as equally strong by their opponents.

Germany – Julian Nagelsmann

Nagelsmann stated that groups without other European teams are always challenging due to unfamiliarity. He referred to Ivory Coast as African champions and Ecuador as a team filled with top players, while Curaçao were considered a surprise that must be approached with caution.

Ghana – Otto Addo

Addo emphasized the importance of respecting all opponents and not underestimating anyone. England were acknowledged as favorites, but he hopes Ghana can start the tournament well to reduce the psychological burden on the players.

Haiti – Sebastian Migne

Migne stated that his team must significantly raise their level of play. He assessed that qualification met the initial target, and now new strategies are required to face major challenges, including matches against Brazil.

Iran – Amir Ghalenoei

He assessed that the strength of teams from different continents has now become more balanced. Iran plans to play several friendly matches against opponents of varying seeding levels as part of their preparation.

Japan – Hajime Moriyasu

Moriyasu assessed all teams in the group as very strong, including opponents from the play-off route. He emphasized team organization as Japan’s main strength, which continues to develop.

Jordan – Jamal Sellami

Sellami described this World Cup as the beginning of a new phase for Jordanian football. He considered the tournament important for showcasing player quality and opening opportunities for international careers.

South Korea – Hong Myung-bo

Hong admitted he was surprised by the initial draw results, but emphasized that there is no easy draw at the World Cup. Analysis of opponents will be conducted immediately based on experience facing strong teams in the past.

Mexico – Javier Aguirre

Aguirre assessed the opening match against South Africa as a moment of nostalgia. He stated that his team showed positive development throughout the year, although consistency against strong opponents is still required.

Morocco – Walid Regragui

Regragui emphasized the importance of humility when facing Brazil. He acknowledged the high expectations following achievements at the previous World Cup and reaffirmed the team’s ambition to progress far.

Netherlands – Ronald Koeman

Koeman assessed the entire group as competitive. Japan were described as opponents who are always difficult, while the other potential opponents were also considered to have quality. He welcomed the major tournament with enthusiasm.

New Zealand – Darren Bazeley

Bazeley assessed the group as challenging yet balanced. He emphasized the importance of experience against top world teams as preparation for the World Cup.

Norway – Stale Solbakken

Solbakken highlighted defensive solidity and effective placement of key players throughout qualification. He assessed his team’s offensive playing style as very well suited to the squad’s characteristics.

Panama – Thomas Christiansen

Christiansen acknowledged that Panama’s group is difficult, but emphasized that his team will compete. He stated that the team’s development over the past five years culminated in successful qualification for the World Cup.

Paraguay – Gustavo Alfaro

Alfaro assessed the group as very balanced, including with the presence of the host nation. He emphasized that small mistakes could determine a team’s fate in such a tight competition.

Portugal – Roberto Martinez

Martinez stated that the draw results provide clarity for preparation direction. He emphasized respect for all opponents and readiness to face the challenges ahead.

Saudi Arabia – Hervé Renard

Renard stated that Saudi Arabia’s main target is to qualify for the round of 32. He described the World Cup as an event full of passion and valuable experience.

Scotland – Steve Clarke

Clarke admitted he is pleased that Scotland have returned to the World Cup. He assessed the group as difficult but saw many positive aspects, particularly the opportunity to face teams from other continents.

South Africa – Hugo Broos

Broos assessed the group as very challenging, especially the opening match against the host nation. He acknowledged disappointment at facing strong European opposition, but remained optimistic that his team can fight to the maximum.

Spain – Luis de la Fuente

De la Fuente emphasized that Spain’s focus is on continuing the team’s development process. He stated that preparatory matches and pre-tournament training camps are very important to maintain player fitness.

Switzerland – Murat Yakin

Yakin assessed Switzerland’s group as very interesting and emphasized the importance of thorough preparation. He expressed optimism that his team will perform with high commitment.

Uzbekistan – Fabio Cannavaro

Cannavaro described Uzbekistan’s group as very difficult, particularly with the presence of Portugal. He emphasized that participating in the World Cup is an honor, and his team must enjoy the moment while increasing playing intensity.