From multiple winners to debutant minnows, the 2026 World Cup will welcome the full spectrum of global football.

Egypt is undoubtedly headlined by Mohamed Salah, the nation's record goalscorer, the fourth-place finisher in 2025's Ballon d'Or awards and the Premier League's top scorer in Liverpool's title-winning campaign last season.

DAZN News has analysed the 12 groups and come to a consensus that Group I, consisting of France, Senegal, the intercontinental path 2 winner (ether Bolivia, Suriname or Iraq) and Norway, is the Group of Death for the upcoming competition.

France 1998 remains their only appearance at a World Cup, with the recent draw against Curacao costing them a 2026 spot and Steve McClaren his job. They should beat New Caledonia in their first play-off, but then DR Congo await. They have the players, including Leon Bailey and Demarai Gray, who could cause most teams problems.

On Friday, 42 qualified nations set to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup will find out who they will face in the opening round of the biggest tournament in soccer history.