WASHINGTON, Dec 6 (Bernama-dpa) -- Mexico will play South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup on June 11 in Mexico City, 16 years after they also contested the 2010 tournament opener in South Africa, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.
Title holders Argentina start against Algeria, and France will not want to be surprised against Senegal again like in 2002, while England face a tricky start as well against Croatia who beat them in the 2018 semifinals.
Friday's draw in Washington also pitted Mexico against South Korea and a European play-off winner. Of the other hosts, Canada face a European play-off winner (potentially Italy), Qatar, and Switzerland; and the United States are up against Paraguay, Australia, and a European play-off winner.
Argentina are up against against Austria and debutants Jordan in Group J of Lionel Messi's final World Cup.
Twice champions and 2022 finalists France were beaten by Senegal in the 2002 tournament opener and will want to avoid that this time out in Group I where they will also be up against Erling Haaland's Norway and an intercontinental play-off winner.
Record five-time champions Brazil play the 2022 semifinalists Morocco and Scotland like in 1998, plus Haiti. Four-time winners Germany also have a doable Group E with newcomers Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador.
England first face Croatia, who beat them in the 2018 semis, and finish against Panama, who they trounced 6-1 in the group stage at the same event. They are also up against Ghana.
European champions Spain are in Group H with Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. Portugal great Cristiano Ronaldo plays his last group stage against Uzbekistan, Colombia, and an intercontinental play-off winner.
The June 11 to July 19, 2026, tournament is held in three countries for the first time and expanded from 32 to 48 teams playing 104 matches, up from 64, in 16 stadiums. The United States (US) will host 78 matches, while Mexico and Canada 13 each.
The full match schedule with venues and kick-off times is to be released by the ruling body FIFA on Saturday at 1700 GMT.
-- BERNAMA-dpa
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