England have been placed in Group L, where they open against 2018 finalists Croatia before meeting Ghana and Panama. Scotland faces a daunting assignment in Group C, drawn alongside Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.

Several home nations could still join them. Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland all remain in contention through the European play-offs in March, although Wales and Northern Ireland must battle through the same section and cannot both qualifies. Europe still has four open berths, while two additional places will be decided via inter-continental play-offs involving six teams in Mexico.

One play-off bracket pits the winner of Jamaica vs New Caledonia against DR Congo for a World Cup spot. The other sees either Bolivia or Suriname face Iraq for the final ticket.

The tournament runs for more than a month, with the final scheduled for 19 July at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. England manager Thomas Tuchel urged his squad to embrace the challenge, insisting belief and unity will be central to any long-awaited title push.

“You dream about moments like this because they mean so much,” Tuchel said. “We can’t promise anything, but the fans want a team that fights for one another. If we bring that spirit, then anything is possible.”

2026 World Cup draw in full

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Euro play-off D
Group B: Canada, Euro play-off A, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Euro play-off C
Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Euro play-off B, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, FIFA play-off 2, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, FIFA play-off 1, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama