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.
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.
Japan 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.
