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The 48 teams at the June 11-July 19 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada:y
GROUP A
Czech Republic
Coach: Miroslav Koubek
Star player: Patrick Schick
World Cup best: Runners-up (as Czechoslovakia), 1934, 1962
Back on the world stage for the first time since 2006, the Czechs are unable to call on stars like Pavel Nedved and Petr Cech anymore. Relying on team effort to get the job done, they squeezed through March’s play-offs against the Republic of Ireland and Denmark.
Mexico
Coach: Javier Aguirre
Star player: Raul Jimenez
World Cup best: Quarter-finals, 1970, 1986
Mexico are hosting the World Cup for a record third time, but they head into the tournament more in hope than expectation. They lack players at the world’s top clubs and have been through some recent instability. The 12th man will have a key role to play.
South Africa
Coach: Hugo Broos
Star player: Lyle Foster
World Cup best: Group stage, 1998, 2002, 2010
Bafana Bafana are back at the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament. They overcame a costly administrative error that saw them docked three points to qualify ahead of Nigeria and will play the opening game against Mexico – the same fixture that kicked off the 2010 edition.
South Korea
Coach: Hong Myung-bo
Star player: Son Heung-min
World Cup best: 4th place, 2002
Son Heung-min will lead from the front but, now aged 33, needs others to step up around him. Qualification was a doddle, but expectations are low in a country that does not have another attacker anywhere near the former Tottenham star’s calibre.
GROUP B
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Coach: Sergej Barbarez
Star player: Edin Dzeko
World Cup best: Group stage, 2014
Bosnia broke four-time World Cup winners Italy’s hearts in March’s play-offs to secure their second ever appearance on the biggest stage. Edin Dzeko, fresh from promotion with Schalke at 40, continues to play a starring role for a team replete with up-and-coming players.
Canada
Coach: Jesse Marsch
Star player: Alphonso Davies
World Cup best: Group stage, 1986, 2022
Canada is abuzz as the World Cup co-hosts try to take football in the country to new heights. Jesse Marsch’s side are sweating on Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies’ fitness and need Jonathan David to step up after an underwhelming first campaign with Juventus.
Qatar
Coach: Julen Lopetegui
Star player: Akram Afif
World Cup best: Group stage, 2022
Qatar’s World Cup debut came on home soil four years ago – and ended miserably, losing all three matches and scoring just once. They have since turned to well-travelled Julen Lopetegui, who oversaw the nation’s first qualification success. Qatar needs to unleash talented Akram Afif.
Switzerland
Coach: Murat Yakin
Star player: Granit Xhaka
World Cup best: Quarter-finals, 1934, 1938, 1954
Edged out on penalties by England in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, the Swiss are approaching the end of an era as many of their main players are in their late 20s or early 30s. There is, though, talented option within a group able to hurt any opponent.
GROUP C
Brazil
Coach: Carlo Ancelotti
Star player: Vinicius Jr
World Cup best: Winners, 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002
The Selecao’s swagger is sure to catch the eye this summer. Carlo Ancelotti, the star whisperer, has been brought in to weave his magic having been through what was at times a bumpy road to this World Cup. Brazil are hoping to repeat their 1994 triumph in the US.
Haiti
Coach: Sebastien Migne
Star player: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde
World Cup best: Group stage, 1974
Instability in Haiti means they have had to play away from home since 2021, yet they dug deep to impressively win their qualification group ahead of Honduras and Costa Rica. The side have brought pride and excitement to everyone connected to the Caribbean island.
Morocco
Coach: Mohamed Ouahbi
Star player: Achraf Hakimi
World Cup best: 4th place, 2022
Morocco are still reeling from the controversial conclusion to the Africa Cup of Nations final they hosted at the start of the year, but there will be no distracting them in North America. The 2022 semi-finalists have changed coach before the tournament but boast quality throughout an experienced team.
Scotland
Coach: Steve Clarke
Star player: Scott McTominay
World Cup best: Group stage, 1954, 1958, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1998
The Tartan Army are back on the world stage for the first time in 28 years. John McGinn, Andy Robertson and Scott McTominay provide hope that Scotland can fare better than their recent Euros appearances. Steve Clarke, handed a new deal before the tournament, will be hoping to make this a summer to cherish.
GROUP D
Australia
Coach: Tony Popovic
Star player: Nestory Irankunda
World Cup best: Last 16, 2006 and 2022
Appearing at their sixth straight World Cup, the Socceroos beat Tunisia and Denmark in 2022 to reach the last 16 before bowing out to eventual champions Argentina. They are expected to prove a handful once again.
Paraguay
Coach: Gustavo Alfaro
Star player: Miguel Almiron
World Cup best: Quarter-finals, 2010
This dogged, well-drilled side are back at the World Cup for the first time since reaching the last eight in 2010. Gustavo Alfaro has transformed Paraguay since taking charge, with the side beating South American giants Argentina and Brazil at home during qualification.
Turkey
Coach: Vincenzo Montella
Star player: Arda Guler
World Cup best: 3rd place, 2002
The football-loving nation missed the last five World Cups and make their return with an exciting squad, featuring some exceptional talents complemented by experienced heads. Real Madrid talent Arda Guler and Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz, both 21, could light up the tournament.
United States
Coach: Mauricio Pochettino
Star player: Christian Pulisic
World Cup best: 3rd place, 1930
After hosting the 1994 edition kickstarted soccer Stateside, 2026 offers the chance to take the game to new heights. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino is under the microscope as he leads the US into a home tournament with a much-debated squad who need to utilise home advantage.
GROUP E
Curacao
Coach: Dick Advocaat
Star player: Leandro Bacuna
World Cup best: Debutants
The oldest head coach in World Cup history will lead the smallest ever nation to reach the finals. Dick Advocaat, 78, oversaw Curacao’s stunning qualification campaign and, having temporarily been replaced by Fred Rutten due to family reasons, will lead them into the tournament.
Ecuador
Coach: Sebastian Beccacece
Star player: Moises Caicedo
World Cup best: Last 16, 2006
Ever-improving Ecuador finished second to World Cup holders Argentina in South American qualification. Boasting a sturdy backline and a variety of up-and-coming talents, there is belief they could at least match their last-16 run of 2006.
Germany
Coach: Julian Nagelsmann
Star player: Jamal Musiala
World Cup best: Winners, 1954, 1974, 1990, 2014
Germany have floundered at the last two World Cups, exiting at the group stage of both editions since lifting the trophy in 2014. Julian Nagelsmann’s side did well at Euro 2024 before being edged out by eventual winners Spain in the quarter-finals, but questions remains over whether the defence can hold up.
Ivory Coast
Coach: Emerse Fae
Star player: Amad Diallo
World Cup best: Group stage, 2006, 2010, 2014
Individual talents need to become a collective power this summer having underperformed at the Africa Cup of Nations. Back for the first time in 12 years, Yan Diomande and Amad Diallo offer directness and skill in attack.
GROUP F
Japan
Coach: Hajime Moriyasu
Star player: Takefusa Kubo
World Cup best: Last 16, 2002, 2010, 2018, 2022
Even without injured star Kaoru Mitoma, Japan could well be the surprise package at this summer’s tournament. They became the first Asian side to beat England in March and have made continued progress since Qatar 2022, where they beat Spain and Germany to top their group.
Netherlands
Coach: Ronald Koeman
Star player: Virgil van Dijk
World Cup best: Runners-up, 1974, 1978, 2010
Nowhere near some of the classic Oranje teams of the past, but Ronald Koeman’s side still have the ability to challenge. They reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals, losing narrowly to England, and pushed Spain close in last year’s Nations League. Virgil van Dijk is among a swathe of Premier League players in the squad.
Sweden
Coach: Graham Potter
Star player: Alexander Isak
World Cup best: 3rd place, 1994
Sweden finished bottom of their qualification group in humiliating fashion, failing to win a single match. However, Graham Potter’s appointment ahead of the play-offs sealed through the Nations League led to a remarkable turnaround, with Ukraine and Poland ousted on their way to the World Cup.
Tunisia
Coach: Sabri Lamouchi
Star player: Hannibal Mejbri
World Cup best: Group stage, 1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022
Looking to make the knockout phase for the first time, the North African side are obdurate and difficult to break down. Sabri Lamouchi’s streetwise team need to show they can make their chances count.
GROUP G
Belgium
Coach: Rudi Garcia
Star player: Kevin De Bruyne
World Cup best: 3rd place, 2018
The golden generation of Belgian football has gone but some of the stars from that era remain. Kevin De Bruyne, 34, Romelu Lukaku, 33, and Thibaut Courtois, 34, provide the spine of a side who need others to step up if they are to make this a summer to remember.
Egypt
Coach: Hossam Hassan
Star player: Mohamed Salah
World Cup best: First stage, 1934, Group stage, 1990, 2018
Mohamed Salah will be desperate to shine at what could well be the 33-year-old’s last World Cup, especially after such a frustrating final season for Liverpool. Only Egypt’s fourth appearance on this stage, they are still looking for a first victory.
Iran
Coach: Amir Ghalenoei
Star player: Mehdi Taremi
World Cup best: Group stage, 1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022
Having been attacked by host nation America in the build-up to the tournament, preparations could scarcely have been harder with turmoil at home and political pressure from all angles. External factors make it more challenging than ever for Team Melli to perform.
New Zealand
Coach: Darren Bazeley
Star player: Chris Wood
World Cup best: Group stage, 1982, 2010
The All Whites ended unbeaten 16 years ago on their last World Cup appearance and arrive in North America with a cohesive, organised squad. In Nottingham Forest sharpshooter Chris Wood, they have someone that will be a handful for any defence.
GROUP H
Cape Verde
Coach: Bubista
Star player: Ryan Mendes
World Cup best: Debutants
An unforgettable couple of weeks awaits the third smallest country to ever play at a World Cup. Cape Verde had not even entered qualification for the finals until the 2002 edition, with their place at the tournament underlining the leaps made in their development.
Saudi Arabia
Coach: Georgios Donis
Star player: Salem Al-Dawsari
World Cup best: Last 16, 1994
Saudi Arabia has splashed the cash on football in recent years and stunned Argentina in the group stage in Qatar. Herve Renard was in charge then and was surprisingly replaced as head coach by Georgios Donis in April, raising questions as to what kind of team will take to the field this summer.
Spain
Coach: Luis de la Fuente
Star player: Lamine Yamal
World Cup best: Winners, 2010
The European champions are among the favourites for World Cup glory. Possessing skill, intelligence and no little depth, Spain are hoping Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams recover from respective hamstring injuries well enough to shine as brightly as they did in Germany.
Uruguay
Coach: Marcelo Bielsa
Star player: Federico Valverde
World Cup best: Winners, 1930, 1950
The two-time champions have had a topsy-turvy time under Marcelo Bielsa, with the highs of wins against Brazil and Argentina in 2023 followed by lows like November’s 5-1 friendly loss to the USA. It will be fascinating to see which version turn up.
GROUP I
France
Coach: Didier Deschamps
Star player: Kylian Mbappe
World Cup best: Winners, 1998, 2018
France possesses some of the planet’s best attacking players and the overall quality to beat anybody. This is Didier Deschamps’ final tournament in charge and, having been a whisker away from glory in 2022, the departing boss needs to strike the right balance with a side under the microscope.
Iraq
Coach: Graham Arnold
Star player: Aymen Hussein
World Cup best: Group stage, 1986
Back 40 years on from their only previous World Cup appearance, Iraq overcame travel complications to get to Mexico and win March’s intercontinental play-off against Bolivia. This summer will be a huge challenge but, given the backdrop of recent decades, reaching the finals is incredible in itself.
Norway
Coach: Stale Solbakken
Star player: Erling Haaland
World Cup best: Last 16, 1998
After watching the last six World Cups from home, Norway return with a star-studded squad boasting attacking options that would be the envy of most nations. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is the star name in a group that won all eight qualifiers en route to the finals.
Senegal
Coach: Pape Thiaw
Star player: Sadio Mane
World Cup best: Quarter-finals, 2002
Senegal are yet to find out whether their stripped Africa Cup of Nations title will be returned, but January underlined that they are the continent’s most dangerous looking team at this World Cup. Boasting an enviable strength in depth, their mixture of youth, experience, skill and stars means they could make a deep run.
GROUP J
Algeria
Coach: Vladimir Petkovic
Star player: Riyad Mahrez,
World Cup best: Last 16, 2014
Algeria could be an open and entertaining outfit, but whether former Switzerland boss Vladimir Petkovic can get the balance right remains to be seen. There is a lot of pressure on Riyad Mahrez, 35, to perform.
Argentina
Coach: Lionel Scaloni
Star player: Lionel Messi
World Cup best: Winners, 1978, 1986, 2022
The holders are attempting to become just the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups. Quite whether star turn Lionel Messi still has the requisite quality at 38 to drag Argentina through difficult moments remains to be seen. The core from Qatar remains – 17 of the 26 squad members are survivors from 2022 – as does their undying belief.
Austria
Coach: Ralf Rangnick
Star player: David Alaba
World Cup best: 3rd place, 1954
Austria return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 with an experienced squad and wily, tactically astute coach in Ralf Rangnick. They will be well organised, but the sweltering conditions could dim their high-intensity play.
Jordan
Coach: Jamal Sellami
Star player: Musa Al-Tamari
World Cup best: Debutants
Two years on from competing in the Asian Cup final, Jordan make their World Cup bow with nothing to lose. The clear underdogs in a tough group, this is an opportune moment to show their development and promise.
GROUP K
Colombia
Coach: Nestor Lorenzo
Star player: Luis Diaz
World Cup best: Quarter-finals, 2014
Colombia, runners-up at the 2024 Copa America, survived a six-game winless run to qualify for a tournament they head into with hopes of springing a surprise in the knockouts. James Rodriguez, the Golden Ball winner in 2014, needs to put a stop-start club period behind him.
DR Congo
Coach: Sebastien Desabre
Star player: Cedric Bakambu
World Cup best: Group stage (as Zaire), 1974
Back at the World Cup for the first time since their difficult debut as Zaire in 1974, the Leopards land Stateside with a realistic chance of making the knockout phase. Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu offer goal threat, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka a great option at right-back.
Portugal
Coach: Roberto Martinez
Star player: Vitinha
World Cup best: 3rd place, 1966
You only have to look at the names missing out on a place in the squad to realise how blessed Portugal are in terms of options. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, is surely playing his last World Cup and the captain needs to be a help rather than hindrance to ensure this group bursting with talent succeeds.
Uzbekistan
Coach: Fabio Cannavaro
Star player: Abdukodir Khusanov
World Cup best: Debutants
The World Cup new boys have Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov as their main man and a World Cup winning captain in charge. It remains to be seen how smart it was to bring in Italy’s triumphant 2006 skipper Fabio Cannavaro last October in place of Timur Kapadze after overseeing a historic qualification campaign.
GROUP L
Croatia
Coach: Zlatko Dalic
Star player: Luka Modric
World Cup best: Runners-up, 2022
Croatia have the quality and nous to hurt any opponent on their day, but it looks unlikely their ageing squad will be able to match their third-place finish in 2022 or run to the final four years earlier. Luka Modric, 40, is surely starring at his last World Cup.
England
Coach: Thomas Tuchel
Star player: Harry Kane
World Cup best: Winners, 1966
The back-to-back European Championship runners-up are hoping to join Sir Alf Ramsey’s heroes in immortality this summer. Thomas Tuchel has been brought in to take the extra step after Sir Gareth Southgate’s successful reign, with 2018 Golden Boot winner Harry Kane ready to lead from the front.
Ghana
Coach: Carlos Quieroz
Star player: Antoine Semenyo
World Cup best: Quarter-finals, 2010
Ghana have talent but need to overcome a disruptive build-up. They wielded the axe on boss Otto Addo in March and turned to experienced Carlos Queiroz. The Black Stars will be hoping Antoine Semenyo sparkles in the summer.
Panama
Coach: Thomas Christiansen
Star player: Adalberto Carrasquilla
World Cup best: Group stage, 2018
Panama sit 33rd in FIFA’s world rankings thanks to a solid team identity rather than star players, and are eyeing progress to the last 32. Expect them to be far better than the side that made their World Cup debut in 2018.
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GROUP A
Czech Republic
Coach: Miroslav Koubek
Star player: Patrick Schick
World Cup best: Runners-up (as Czechoslovakia), 1934, 1962
Back on the world stage for the first time since 2006, the Czechs are unable to call on stars like Pavel Nedved and Petr Cech anymore. Relying on team effort to get the job done, they squeezed through March’s play-offs against the Republic of Ireland and Denmark.
Mexico
Coach: Javier Aguirre
Star player: Raul Jimenez
World Cup best: Quarter-finals, 1970, 1986
Mexico are hosting the World Cup for a record third time, but they head into the tournament more in hope than expectation. They lack players at the world’s top clubs and have been through some recent instability. The 12th man will have a key role to play.
South Africa
Coach: Hugo Broos
Star player: Lyle Foster
World Cup best: Group stage, 1998, 2002, 2010
Bafana Bafana are back at the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament. They overcame a costly administrative error that saw them docked three points to qualify ahead of Nigeria and will play the opening game against Mexico – the same fixture that kicked off the 2010 edition.
South Korea
Coach: Hong Myung-bo
Star player: Son Heung-min
World Cup best: 4th place, 2002
Son Heung-min will lead from the front but, now aged 33, needs others to step up around him. Qualification was a doddle, but expectations are low in a country that does not have another attacker anywhere near the former Tottenham star’s calibre.
GROUP B
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Coach: Sergej Barbarez
Star player: Edin Dzeko
World Cup best: Group stage, 2014
Bosnia broke four-time World Cup winners Italy’s hearts in March’s play-offs to secure their second ever appearance on the biggest stage. Edin Dzeko, fresh from promotion with Schalke at 40, continues to play a starring role for a team replete with up-and-coming players.
Canada
Coach: Jesse Marsch
Star player: Alphonso Davies
World Cup best: Group stage, 1986, 2022
Canada is abuzz as the World Cup co-hosts try to take football in the country to new heights. Jesse Marsch’s side are sweating on Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies’ fitness and need Jonathan David to step up after an underwhelming first campaign with Juventus.
Qatar
Coach: Julen Lopetegui
Star player: Akram Afif
World Cup best: Group stage, 2022
Qatar’s World Cup debut came on home soil four years ago – and ended miserably, losing all three matches and scoring just once. They have since turned to well-travelled Julen Lopetegui, who oversaw the nation’s first qualification success. Qatar needs to unleash talented Akram Afif.
Switzerland
Coach: Murat Yakin
Star player: Granit Xhaka
World Cup best: Quarter-finals, 1934, 1938, 1954
Edged out on penalties by England in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, the Swiss are approaching the end of an era as many of their main players are in their late 20s or early 30s. There is, though, talented option within a group able to hurt any opponent.
GROUP C
Brazil
Coach: Carlo Ancelotti
Star player: Vinicius Jr
World Cup best: Winners, 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002
The Selecao’s swagger is sure to catch the eye this summer. Carlo Ancelotti, the star whisperer, has been brought in to weave his magic having been through what was at times a bumpy road to this World Cup. Brazil are hoping to repeat their 1994 triumph in the US.
Haiti
Coach: Sebastien Migne
Star player: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde
World Cup best: Group stage, 1974
Instability in Haiti means they have had to play away from home since 2021, yet they dug deep to impressively win their qualification group ahead of Honduras and Costa Rica. The side have brought pride and excitement to everyone connected to the Caribbean island.
Morocco
Coach: Mohamed Ouahbi
Star player: Achraf Hakimi
World Cup best: 4th place, 2022
Morocco are still reeling from the controversial conclusion to the Africa Cup of Nations final they hosted at the start of the year, but there will be no distracting them in North America. The 2022 semi-finalists have changed coach before the tournament but boast quality throughout an experienced team.
Scotland
Coach: Steve Clarke
Star player: Scott McTominay
World Cup best: Group stage, 1954, 1958, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1998
The Tartan Army are back on the world stage for the first time in 28 years. John McGinn, Andy Robertson and Scott McTominay provide hope that Scotland can fare better than their recent Euros appearances. Steve Clarke, handed a new deal before the tournament, will be hoping to make this a summer to cherish.
GROUP D
Australia
Coach: Tony Popovic
Star player: Nestory Irankunda
World Cup best: Last 16, 2006 and 2022
Appearing at their sixth straight World Cup, the Socceroos beat Tunisia and Denmark in 2022 to reach the last 16 before bowing out to eventual champions Argentina. They are expected to prove a handful once again.
Paraguay
Coach: Gustavo Alfaro
Star player: Miguel Almiron
World Cup best: Quarter-finals, 2010
This dogged, well-drilled side are back at the World Cup for the first time since reaching the last eight in 2010. Gustavo Alfaro has transformed Paraguay since taking charge, with the side beating South American giants Argentina and Brazil at home during qualification.
Turkey
Coach: Vincenzo Montella
Star player: Arda Guler
World Cup best: 3rd place, 2002
The football-loving nation missed the last five World Cups and make their return with an exciting squad, featuring some exceptional talents complemented by experienced heads. Real Madrid talent Arda Guler and Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz, both 21, could light up the tournament.
United States
Coach: Mauricio Pochettino
Star player: Christian Pulisic
World Cup best: 3rd place, 1930
After hosting the 1994 edition kickstarted soccer Stateside, 2026 offers the chance to take the game to new heights. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino is under the microscope as he leads the US into a home tournament with a much-debated squad who need to utilise home advantage.
GROUP E
Curacao
Coach: Dick Advocaat
Star player: Leandro Bacuna
World Cup best: Debutants
The oldest head coach in World Cup history will lead the smallest ever nation to reach the finals. Dick Advocaat, 78, oversaw Curacao’s stunning qualification campaign and, having temporarily been replaced by Fred Rutten due to family reasons, will lead them into the tournament.
Ecuador
Coach: Sebastian Beccacece
Star player: Moises Caicedo
World Cup best: Last 16, 2006
Ever-improving Ecuador finished second to World Cup holders Argentina in South American qualification. Boasting a sturdy backline and a variety of up-and-coming talents, there is belief they could at least match their last-16 run of 2006.
Germany
Coach: Julian Nagelsmann
Star player: Jamal Musiala
World Cup best: Winners, 1954, 1974, 1990, 2014
Germany have floundered at the last two World Cups, exiting at the group stage of both editions since lifting the trophy in 2014. Julian Nagelsmann’s side did well at Euro 2024 before being edged out by eventual winners Spain in the quarter-finals, but questions remains over whether the defence can hold up.
Ivory Coast
Coach: Emerse Fae
Star player: Amad Diallo
World Cup best: Group stage, 2006, 2010, 2014
Individual talents need to become a collective power this summer having underperformed at the Africa Cup of Nations. Back for the first time in 12 years, Yan Diomande and Amad Diallo offer directness and skill in attack.
GROUP F
Japan
Coach: Hajime Moriyasu
Star player: Takefusa Kubo
World Cup best: Last 16, 2002, 2010, 2018, 2022
Even without injured star Kaoru Mitoma, Japan could well be the surprise package at this summer’s tournament. They became the first Asian side to beat England in March and have made continued progress since Qatar 2022, where they beat Spain and Germany to top their group.
Netherlands
Coach: Ronald Koeman
Star player: Virgil van Dijk
World Cup best: Runners-up, 1974, 1978, 2010
Nowhere near some of the classic Oranje teams of the past, but Ronald Koeman’s side still have the ability to challenge. They reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals, losing narrowly to England, and pushed Spain close in last year’s Nations League. Virgil van Dijk is among a swathe of Premier League players in the squad.
Sweden
Coach: Graham Potter
Star player: Alexander Isak
World Cup best: 3rd place, 1994
Sweden finished bottom of their qualification group in humiliating fashion, failing to win a single match. However, Graham Potter’s appointment ahead of the play-offs sealed through the Nations League led to a remarkable turnaround, with Ukraine and Poland ousted on their way to the World Cup.
Tunisia
Coach: Sabri Lamouchi
Star player: Hannibal Mejbri
World Cup best: Group stage, 1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022
Looking to make the knockout phase for the first time, the North African side are obdurate and difficult to break down. Sabri Lamouchi’s streetwise team need to show they can make their chances count.
GROUP G
Belgium
Coach: Rudi Garcia
Star player: Kevin De Bruyne
World Cup best: 3rd place, 2018
The golden generation of Belgian football has gone but some of the stars from that era remain. Kevin De Bruyne, 34, Romelu Lukaku, 33, and Thibaut Courtois, 34, provide the spine of a side who need others to step up if they are to make this a summer to remember.
Egypt
Coach: Hossam Hassan
Star player: Mohamed Salah
World Cup best: First stage, 1934, Group stage, 1990, 2018
Mohamed Salah will be desperate to shine at what could well be the 33-year-old’s last World Cup, especially after such a frustrating final season for Liverpool. Only Egypt’s fourth appearance on this stage, they are still looking for a first victory.
Iran
Coach: Amir Ghalenoei
Star player: Mehdi Taremi
World Cup best: Group stage, 1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022
Having been attacked by host nation America in the build-up to the tournament, preparations could scarcely have been harder with turmoil at home and political pressure from all angles. External factors make it more challenging than ever for Team Melli to perform.
New Zealand
Coach: Darren Bazeley
Star player: Chris Wood
World Cup best: Group stage, 1982, 2010
The All Whites ended unbeaten 16 years ago on their last World Cup appearance and arrive in North America with a cohesive, organised squad. In Nottingham Forest sharpshooter Chris Wood, they have someone that will be a handful for any defence.
GROUP H
Cape Verde
Coach: Bubista
Star player: Ryan Mendes
World Cup best: Debutants
An unforgettable couple of weeks awaits the third smallest country to ever play at a World Cup. Cape Verde had not even entered qualification for the finals until the 2002 edition, with their place at the tournament underlining the leaps made in their development.
Saudi Arabia
Coach: Georgios Donis
Star player: Salem Al-Dawsari
World Cup best: Last 16, 1994
Saudi Arabia has splashed the cash on football in recent years and stunned Argentina in the group stage in Qatar. Herve Renard was in charge then and was surprisingly replaced as head coach by Georgios Donis in April, raising questions as to what kind of team will take to the field this summer.
Spain
Coach: Luis de la Fuente
Star player: Lamine Yamal
World Cup best: Winners, 2010
The European champions are among the favourites for World Cup glory. Possessing skill, intelligence and no little depth, Spain are hoping Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams recover from respective hamstring injuries well enough to shine as brightly as they did in Germany.
Uruguay
Coach: Marcelo Bielsa
Star player: Federico Valverde
World Cup best: Winners, 1930, 1950
The two-time champions have had a topsy-turvy time under Marcelo Bielsa, with the highs of wins against Brazil and Argentina in 2023 followed by lows like November’s 5-1 friendly loss to the USA. It will be fascinating to see which version turn up.
GROUP I
France
Coach: Didier Deschamps
Star player: Kylian Mbappe
World Cup best: Winners, 1998, 2018
France possesses some of the planet’s best attacking players and the overall quality to beat anybody. This is Didier Deschamps’ final tournament in charge and, having been a whisker away from glory in 2022, the departing boss needs to strike the right balance with a side under the microscope.
Iraq
Coach: Graham Arnold
Star player: Aymen Hussein
World Cup best: Group stage, 1986
Back 40 years on from their only previous World Cup appearance, Iraq overcame travel complications to get to Mexico and win March’s intercontinental play-off against Bolivia. This summer will be a huge challenge but, given the backdrop of recent decades, reaching the finals is incredible in itself.
Norway
Coach: Stale Solbakken
Star player: Erling Haaland
World Cup best: Last 16, 1998
After watching the last six World Cups from home, Norway return with a star-studded squad boasting attacking options that would be the envy of most nations. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is the star name in a group that won all eight qualifiers en route to the finals.
Senegal
Coach: Pape Thiaw
Star player: Sadio Mane
World Cup best: Quarter-finals, 2002
Senegal are yet to find out whether their stripped Africa Cup of Nations title will be returned, but January underlined that they are the continent’s most dangerous looking team at this World Cup. Boasting an enviable strength in depth, their mixture of youth, experience, skill and stars means they could make a deep run.
GROUP J
Algeria
Coach: Vladimir Petkovic
Star player: Riyad Mahrez,
World Cup best: Last 16, 2014
Algeria could be an open and entertaining outfit, but whether former Switzerland boss Vladimir Petkovic can get the balance right remains to be seen. There is a lot of pressure on Riyad Mahrez, 35, to perform.
Argentina
Coach: Lionel Scaloni
Star player: Lionel Messi
World Cup best: Winners, 1978, 1986, 2022
The holders are attempting to become just the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups. Quite whether star turn Lionel Messi still has the requisite quality at 38 to drag Argentina through difficult moments remains to be seen. The core from Qatar remains – 17 of the 26 squad members are survivors from 2022 – as does their undying belief.
Austria
Coach: Ralf Rangnick
Star player: David Alaba
World Cup best: 3rd place, 1954
Austria return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 with an experienced squad and wily, tactically astute coach in Ralf Rangnick. They will be well organised, but the sweltering conditions could dim their high-intensity play.
Jordan
Coach: Jamal Sellami
Star player: Musa Al-Tamari
World Cup best: Debutants
Two years on from competing in the Asian Cup final, Jordan make their World Cup bow with nothing to lose. The clear underdogs in a tough group, this is an opportune moment to show their development and promise.
GROUP K
Colombia
Coach: Nestor Lorenzo
Star player: Luis Diaz
World Cup best: Quarter-finals, 2014
Colombia, runners-up at the 2024 Copa America, survived a six-game winless run to qualify for a tournament they head into with hopes of springing a surprise in the knockouts. James Rodriguez, the Golden Ball winner in 2014, needs to put a stop-start club period behind him.
DR Congo
Coach: Sebastien Desabre
Star player: Cedric Bakambu
World Cup best: Group stage (as Zaire), 1974
Back at the World Cup for the first time since their difficult debut as Zaire in 1974, the Leopards land Stateside with a realistic chance of making the knockout phase. Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu offer goal threat, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka a great option at right-back.
Portugal
Coach: Roberto Martinez
Star player: Vitinha
World Cup best: 3rd place, 1966
You only have to look at the names missing out on a place in the squad to realise how blessed Portugal are in terms of options. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, is surely playing his last World Cup and the captain needs to be a help rather than hindrance to ensure this group bursting with talent succeeds.
Uzbekistan
Coach: Fabio Cannavaro
Star player: Abdukodir Khusanov
World Cup best: Debutants
The World Cup new boys have Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov as their main man and a World Cup winning captain in charge. It remains to be seen how smart it was to bring in Italy’s triumphant 2006 skipper Fabio Cannavaro last October in place of Timur Kapadze after overseeing a historic qualification campaign.
GROUP L
Croatia
Coach: Zlatko Dalic
Star player: Luka Modric
World Cup best: Runners-up, 2022
Croatia have the quality and nous to hurt any opponent on their day, but it looks unlikely their ageing squad will be able to match their third-place finish in 2022 or run to the final four years earlier. Luka Modric, 40, is surely starring at his last World Cup.
England
Coach: Thomas Tuchel
Star player: Harry Kane
World Cup best: Winners, 1966
The back-to-back European Championship runners-up are hoping to join Sir Alf Ramsey’s heroes in immortality this summer. Thomas Tuchel has been brought in to take the extra step after Sir Gareth Southgate’s successful reign, with 2018 Golden Boot winner Harry Kane ready to lead from the front.
Ghana
Coach: Carlos Quieroz
Star player: Antoine Semenyo
World Cup best: Quarter-finals, 2010
Ghana have talent but need to overcome a disruptive build-up. They wielded the axe on boss Otto Addo in March and turned to experienced Carlos Queiroz. The Black Stars will be hoping Antoine Semenyo sparkles in the summer.
Panama
Coach: Thomas Christiansen
Star player: Adalberto Carrasquilla
World Cup best: Group stage, 2018
Panama sit 33rd in FIFA’s world rankings thanks to a solid team identity rather than star players, and are eyeing progress to the last 32. Expect them to be far better than the side that made their World Cup debut in 2018.
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