The FIFA World Cup 2026 draw is out, and it is already serving chaos, drama, and three unmissable superstar showdowns.
We are just six months away from arguably the biggest sporting spectacle in the world, the 2026 FIFA World Cup that is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The group stage draw has already taken place as the 48 teams have been divided into 12 groups, with each nation set to play three games in the initial phase of the tournament.
Since the number of teams has gone up from 32 to 48, there will be an extra round of knockout fixtures (round of 32). Not only will the top two teams in the group go through to the next stage, but the eight best third-place teams will also be joining them.
The World Cup draw has thrown up some exciting fixtures, with Group I (France, Senegal, Intercontinental Playoff Winner 2, Norway), Group L (England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama) and Group H (Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde) all shaping up as potential groups of death.
Apart from exciting clashes between footballing superpowers, we do have some very exciting player battles lined up in the upcoming World Cup. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at three of the biggest player battles that we will get to witness at the global event next summer.
Kylian Mbappe vs Erling Haaland (Group I)
Mbappe and Haaland are arguably two of the best forwards of this generation. The star attackers have been doing wonders at club level, scoring goals for fun and winning major titles. However, they are now set to square up against each other on the global stage on the 26th of June as Norway take on France in Group I.
Haaland, who has helped Norway reach the World Cup after almost three decades (28 years), will be eager to guide his team into the knockout stages. But it won’t be easy, and there is no doubt that two-time winners France will present their toughest challenge.
While Les Bleus will be clear favourites for this fixture, given the depth and quality in their squad, Didier Deschamps knows how difficult it can be to stop Haaland. The Manchester City striker is someone who needs only a handful of chances to find the back of the net.
If France are not at their best on the night, they risk being part of a historic upset. Despite the clear gap in quality between the two sides, the spotlight will firmly be on Haaland and Mbappe. It will be interesting to see who steps up and delivers when it matters most.
Luka Modric vs Jude Bellingham (Group L)
The second-biggest player battle will come from Group L, where former Real Madrid maestro Luka Modric will square up against his successor at the club, Jude Bellingham.
Modric is a magician who can change the flow of a game with a single pass and loves dictating the tempo, whereas Bellingham is more of a workhorse who contributes at both ends of the pitch and has a knack for popping up with crucial goals.
While their styles differ significantly, both are equally important for their national teams and often have a major influence on results. On paper, England certainly have the stronger squad. However, when it comes to the World Cup, Croatia consistently raise their level. Having defeated the Three Lions in the 2018 semi-final, they will certainly back themselves to do it again.
Once again, much will depend on Modric, who, despite being 40, is still producing top-quality football in Serie A. Bellingham will hope he can contain the former Ballon d’Or winner and guide England to three important points in this group fixture.
Pedri vs Federico Valverde (Group H)
Both Pedri and Federico Valverde have faced each other numerous times in El Clasico, arguably the biggest fixture in club football. Now, the duo are set to clash on the international stage at the World Cup.
While Pedri’s Spain will be the favourites given their performances at the last Euros and the UEFA Nations League, Uruguay cannot be counted out. They have several world-class players capable of supporting Valverde.
Pedri is a player who relies on exceptional ball control, passing, and positioning, whereas Valverde is someone who can cover every blade of grass. The Real Madrid utility man gives everything on the pitch and always looks to force a result. That is exactly what he will try to do when Uruguay take on one of the World Cup favourites.
Pedri will look to ensure Spain control the tempo and create the openings they need, while Valverde will aim to prevent the Barcelona star from dictating play and help his team make the most of the limited chances that come their way.
