winners and losers of the world cup
The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has finally wrapped up, and football fans around the globe are already buzzing with excitement, speculation, and a touch of anxiety. Held in Washington, D.C., the ceremony brought together sporting icons like Rio Ferdinand, Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, and Wayne Gretzky, all helping to unveil the groups that will define the journey to crowning the next world champions in North America.
With reigning champions Argentina, 2022 runners-up France, and co-hosts USA, Mexico, and Canada all assigned their groups, the stakes are high. But who came out on top, and who will be sweating bullets come next summer? Let’s break it down.
Winner: The USMNT
The draw could hardly have gone better for United States Men’s National Team coach Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine manager faced early criticism during his tenure, dealing with disappointing results and a reportedly strained relationship with star player Christian Pulisic. However, recent form has been a confidence booster, including a stunning 5-1 win over Uruguay, achieved even without some of the team’s top talent.
Placed in Group D, the Americans will face Australia, Paraguay, and the winner of the Turkey/Romania/Slovakia/Kosovo play-off bracket. By all accounts, this is a favorable group. Australia and Paraguay have struggled to score goals, and the UEFA play-off side is one of the weaker options from Europe.
If the USMNT can maintain their current momentum, advancing past the group stage as group winners seems very achievable. A quarter-final appearance for the first time since 2002 is now a realistic target, giving American fans plenty to celebrate ahead of the tournament.
Loser: France
For France, the 2026 World Cup draw is a harsh reminder that even top-seeded teams aren’t guaranteed a smooth ride. The 2022 runners-up landed in what can arguably be called the tournament’s Group of Death alongside Senegal and Norway.
The Norwegians, led by Erling Haaland, are arguably the team no one wanted from Pot Three. Combine that with Senegal, ranked 19th globally and known for their strong performances (including a recent victory over England in a friendly), and it’s clear France faces a real battle to secure top spot. History also casts a shadow here: Senegal famously eliminated France in the opening round of the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. Another early exit would be a bitter pill for Les Bleus to swallow.
France’s challenge is steep, and despite a star-studded lineup, the group stage may prove far trickier than many fans anticipated.
Winner: Belgium’s Golden Generation
Belgium’s “Golden Generation” might finally get a chance to redeem themselves. Despite disappointing performances in Qatar 2022 and several retirements, key stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Axel Witsel, and Thibaut Courtois are still in the mix for 2026.
While the Belgians had a rocky qualifying campaign, experience and quality remain on their side. Their group, containing Iran, Egypt, and New Zealand, appears manageable, with only Egypt presenting a real challenge for top spot. Fans of the Red Devils can hope this might be the tournament where the Golden Generation finally lives up to its immense promise.
The 2026 World Cup promises drama, excitement, and plenty of storylines. While the USMNT will enter the tournament brimming with optimism, France will need to battle hard just to reach the knockout stages. Belgium may yet find redemption, and co-hosts Canada and Mexico will be watching nervously, hoping for a favorable start.
As the countdown to kickoff begins, fans everywhere are preparing for the spectacle of a 48-team tournament across North America, filled with surprises, upsets, and unforgettable moments. One thing is certain: the road to the 2026 World Cup trophy starts with the draw, and anything can happen from here.
