WASHINGTON — Saudi Arabia will face one of the toughest tests of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being drawn into Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde, following a high-profile ceremony held in Washington attended by U.S. President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Egypt were placed in Group G with Belgium, Iran and New Zealand, while Morocco landed in Group C, opening against Brazil before facing Scotland and Haiti. Qatar will compete in Group B with Canada, Switzerland and a team advancing from the intercontinental playoff. Tunisia were drawn into Group F with the Netherlands, Japan and another playoff qualifier, while Algeria will contend with defending champions Argentina, Austria and Jordan in Group J. The Saudi delegation was led by Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan, the Kingdom's ambassador to the United States, alongside federation officials and head coach Herve Renard. The showpiece event featured model Heidi Klum — who previously appeared at the 2006 World Cup draw — and American comedian Kevin Hart, with musical performances by Village People, Robbie Williams and Andrea Bocelli. Sports icons Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky and Shaquille O'Neal took part in conducting the draw. FIFA also awarded its inaugural "FIFA Peace Award" to U.S. President Donald Trump. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Trump "certainly deserved" the recognition. Trump responded by highlighting diplomatic achievements during his tenure, saying: "We saved millions of lives, avoided many disasters, achieved peace between Pakistan and India, and overcame major challenges. Gianni is doing a great job and I've known him for a long time." The remaining groups were drawn as follows: Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, European Playoff Path 4 (Denmark, North Macedonia, Czech Republic, Ireland) Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, European Playoff Path 3 (Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, Kosovo) Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Côte d'Ivoire, Ecuador Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, World Playoff Path 2 (Iraq, Bolivia, Suriname) Group K: Portugal, World Playoff Path 1 (DR Congo, New Caledonia, Jamaica), Uzbekistan, Colombia Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama The 2026 edition will be the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams for the first time instead of the traditional 32 used in the past seven tournaments. FIFA will announce venues and match schedules at a separate global event on Saturday, though details may be adjusted in March once all six playoff berths are confirmed.
