WORLD CUP 2026

Mexico could land in World Cup ‘group of death’: the combination to avoid in Friday’s draw

The 2026 World Cup group stage draw will take place this Friday in Washington, D.C. Let’s take a look at Mexico’s potential rivals.

FABRICE COFFRINI

Aram Ledezma Andy Hall

Ciudad de México Update: Dec 2nd, 2025 10:00 EST

Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, will become the center of the soccer world this Friday as the official 2026 World Cup draw takes place.

National teams will finally learn their group-stage opponents and potential knockout-round matchups, sparking early debates about favorites and the rivals everyone hopes to avoid.

Mexico has already been automatically placed in Group A, and its opponent in the tournament’s opening match will come from Pot 3—a pool that includes some dangerous teams capable of spoiling the party right from the start.

Norway’s return could spell trouble

Norway, back in the World Cup for the first time since 1998, looms as the toughest possible opening-day opponent on June 11. With a golden generation led by Atlético Madrid’s Alexander Sørloth and Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland, the Nordic side would present a serious challenge for Mexico in the inaugural clash at Estadio Banorte.

Mexico could land in World Cup ‘group of death’: the combination to avoid in Friday’s draw — UEFA draw for the play-off of European teams that will complete Pot 4.Denis Balibouse

Pot 2 heavyweights

The difficulty ramps up in Pot 2. Croatia and Morocco—both semifinalists in the last World Cup—would add significant pressure for coach Javier Aguirre’s squad. Colombia is also in this mix, having qualified after finishing third in South America’s CONMEBOL qualifiers. Absent from Qatar 2022, stars like James Rodríguez and Bayern’s Luis Díaz will arrive hungry to make a statement.

Pot 4 wildcards

Pot 4 features Ghana as the most formidable team, but there’s also the chance of a European powerhouse sneaking in through March’s playoff round. Italy is the favorite to claim that spot, and a group-stage showdown with Mexico would be a daunting prospect.

The South American nations that have booked their spot at next year’s FIFA World Cup. 🌎

Visit https://t.co/zJTWWlwshQ to find out where you can watch the Draw in your territory.
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 2, 2025

The rules of the draw

As always, familiar restrictions apply: no more than two teams from the same confederation can be placed in a single group, and Mexico cannot face another CONCACAF team in the opening round. With those guidelines in place, fans worldwide are already busy making predictions and sketching out dream—or nightmare—scenarios.

When is the 2026 World Cup draw?

The 2026 World Cup group stage draw will take place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C., United States on Friday December, 5 2025 at 12 p.m. noon ET / 9 a.m. PT.