By OkayGoal 
The 2026 FIFA World Cup features 48 nations competing across 12 groups, and from the tournament favourites to the debutants, here is a complete guide to the predicted starting formations and lineups for every team, with analytical context for the biggest selection decisions at the top of the draw.
For full tactical and squad previews of the key nations, see our breakdowns for Spain, Portugal, Brazil and Norway, and the full title contenders guide with win odds.
Group A predicted lineups
Mexico (4-2-3-1) – Javier Aguirre
Rangel; J. Sánchez, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo; É. Álvarez, Lira; Alvarado, Luis Chávez, Quiñones; S. Giménez
Santiago Giménez is the focal point of everything Mexico do in attack. The striker has been one of the most in-form forwards in Europe this season and carries enormous expectation as the host nation’s most dangerous weapon. Luis Chávez provides the creative link between the lines in the second phase of midfield.
South Korea (4-2-3-1) – Hong Myung-bo
Jo Hyun-Woo; Seol Young-Woo, Kim Min-Jae, Jo Yu-Min, Lee Tae-Seok; Paik Seung-Ho, Hwang In-Beom; Lee Kang-In, Bae Jun-Ho, Hwang Hee-Chan; Son Heung-Min
Son Heung-Min leads the line with the benefit of a midfield built around Lee Kang-In’s creative intelligence. Kim Min-Jae anchors the defensive line with his usual authority. South Korea rely on quick transitions from their organised shape.
Czech Republic (3-4-2-1) – Miroslav Koubek
Kovář; Hranáč, Holeš, Krejčí; Coufal, Červ, Souček, Jurásek; Šulc, Hložek; Schick
South Africa (4-3-3) – Hugo Broos
Williams; Mudau, Sibisi, Kekana, Modiba; Mokoena, Mbatha, J. Adams; Appollis, Rayners, Zwane
Group B predicted lineups
Switzerland (3-4-2-1) – Murat Yakin
Kobel; Elvedi, Akanji, Rodríguez; Widmer, Freuler, Xhaka, Ndoye; Rieder, Vargas; Embolo
Switzerland’s 3-4-2-1 is built around the defensive excellence of Akanji and Elvedi, with Granit Xhaka providing the midfield engine in what could be his final major tournament. Embolo leads the line as the physical focal point up front.
Canada (4-4-2) – Jesse Marsch
Crépeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Eustáquio, Koné, Millar; David, Larin
Canada use a classic 4-4-2 built around the energy of Eustáquio and Koné in central midfield. Jonathan David and Cyle Larin form a partnership that could be one of the more underrated striking combinations at this tournament, with Alphonso Davies providing dynamism down the left.
Bosnia and Herzegovina (4-2-3-1) – Sergej Barbarez
Vasilj; Dedić, Katić, Kolašinac, Radeljić; Hadžiahmetović, Šunjić; Bajraktarević, Tahirović, Gigović; Džeko
Qatar (4-3-3) – Julen Lopetegui
Barsham; Miguel, Khoukhi, Mendes, Al-Amin; Jaber, Boudiaf, Hatem; Afif, Almoez Ali, Hassan Al-Haydos
Group C predicted lineups
Brazil (4-3-3) – Carlo Ancelotti
Wesley was named in the original squad but withdrew through injury on June 7 and was replaced by Éderson from Atalanta. His starting position at right-back will now be filled by Douglas Santos or Danilo ahead of the tournament opener.
Alisson; Douglas Santos, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Paquetá; Raphinha, Cunha, Vinicius Jr
Ancelotti’s 4-3-3 is built around Alisson’s world-class goalkeeping as the foundation for everything. Gabriel Magalhães partners Marquinhos at centre-back in the absence of the injured Éder Militão, giving Arsenal’s Premier League champion his biggest international stage to date. Bruno Guimarães and Casemiro provide genuine midfield security that Brazil have lacked in recent tournaments, while Vinicius Junior is the x-factor that can define this team’s entire campaign.
Morocco (4-2-3-1) – Mohamed Ouahbi
Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Riad, Attiyat Allah; Amrabat, Ounahi; Ziyech, El Khannouss, Diaz; El Kaabi
Hakimi at right-back gives Morocco one of the best players in that position at the entire tournament. The 4-2-3-1 is built to protect defensively with Amrabat and Ounahi shielding, while Ziyech and El Khannouss provide the creative quality ahead of them. Morocco’s defensive record at Qatar 2022 showed exactly what this organisational structure can achieve at a World Cup.
Scotland (3-4-2-1) – Steve Clarke
Gunn; Porteous, Hanley, Tierney; Ralston, McTominay, Ferguson, Robertson; McGinn, Christie; Adams
Scotland’s first World Cup in 28 years. Clarke uses a 3-4-2-1 built around McTominay’s energy and Robertson’s attacking quality down the left. Adams leads the line as the lone striker with McGinn and Christie in the supporting roles behind him.
Haiti (4-3-3) – Sébastien Migné
Placide; Arcus, Ade, Duverne, Delcroix; Pierre, Bellegarde, Jean Jacques; Nazon, Pierrot, Isidor
Group D predicted lineups
United States (4-3-3) – Mauricio Pochettino
Turner; Scally, Richards, Ream, Robinson; Adams, McKennie, Musah; Pulisic, Balogun, Weah
Pochettino sets up in a possession-based 4-3-3 with Tyler Adams anchoring a midfield that also features the energy of McKennie and the technical quality of Musah. Christian Pulisic leads the attacking line from the left with Balogun as the central striker. The United States carry significant home crowd advantage throughout the tournament.
Paraguay (4-3-3) – Gustavo Alfaro
Coronel; Velázquez, Balbuena, Alderete, Alonso; Villasanti, Cubas, D. Gómez; Almirón, Sanabria, Enciso
Türkiye (4-2-3-1) – Vincenzo Montella
Günok; Çelik, Demiral, Bardakcı, Kadıoğlu; Ayhan, Çalhanoğlu; Yılmaz, Güler, Yıldız; Aktürkoğlu
The most interesting selection in this lineup is having both Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız in the same attacking midfield. Two of the most exciting young players in world football operating in the second phase together, with Çalhanoğlu providing the deeper creative control behind them.
Australia (4-2-3-1) – Tony Popovic
Ryan; Geria, Souttar, Circati, Behich; Irvine, O’Neill; Irankunda, Hrustic, Mabil; Yengi
Group E predicted lineups
Germany (4-2-3-1) – Julian Nagelsmann
Neuer; Kimmich, Rüdiger, Schlotterbeck, Raum; Pavlović, Goretzka; Musiala, Wirtz, Havertz; Undav
Manuel Neuer at 40 returns from international retirement to take the gloves, a remarkable story in itself. Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz together in the same team represents one of the most exciting midfield combinations at the tournament, though Musiala is still building fitness after a serious injury at last summer’s Club World Cup. Kai Havertz, Premier League champion with Arsenal, occupies the number ten role with Undav as the striker.
Ecuador (4-2-3-1) – Sebastián Beccacece
Galíndez; Preciado, Pacho, Hincapié, Estupiñán; Franco, Caicedo; Páez, Mena, Sarmiento; Valencia
Moisés Caicedo anchors the Ecuador midfield alongside Franco in the double pivot, with Páez and Sarmiento providing creativity in the second phase. Hincapié and Estupiñán give Ecuador genuine fullback quality on both sides of the back four.
Ivory Coast (4-3-3) – Emerse Faé
Fofana; Aurier, Diomande, Ndicka, Konan; Kessié, Sangaré, S. Fofana; Adingra, Haller, Diakité
Simon Adingra’s place in the front three is the standout selection for Premier League supporters. The Brighton winger operates from the right in a 4-3-3 built around Kessié’s midfield leadership and Haller’s physical presence up front.
Curaçao (4-3-3) – Dick Advocaat
Room; Gaari, Obispo, Bazoer, Brenet; L. Bacuna, Anita, Felida; Chong, Kuwas, Gorré
Group F predicted lineups
Netherlands (4-3-3) – Ronald Koeman
Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van de Ven, Aké; Schouten, Reijnders, Gravenberch; Simons, Depay, Gakpo
Micky van de Ven partners Virgil van Dijk at centre-back, giving the Tottenham defender his biggest international stage to date. Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool starts in midfield alongside Reijnders and Schouten. The forward line of Xavi Simons, Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo offers pace, creativity and Premier League-tested quality throughout. Dumfries retains his place at right-back despite his club transfer to Real Madrid this summer.
Japan (4-2-3-1) – Hajime Moriyasu
Suzuki; Sugawara, Itakura, Machida, Ito; Endo, Morita; Doan, Kubo, Mitoma; Ueda
Japan’s predicted lineup contains some of the most recognisable Premier League names outside the traditional heavyweight nations. Wataru Endo anchors the midfield, Kaoru Mitoma operates from the left wing and Takefusa Kubo provides creativity from the right. Japan’s counter-attacking system stunned Germany and Spain at Qatar 2022 and the same formula is intact here.
Sweden (4-4-2) – Graham Potter
Johansson; Krafth, Hien, Lindelöf, Gudmundsson; Elanga, Cajuste, Larsson, Ayari; Isak, Gyökeres
Sweden’s most striking selection is the front two. Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres starting together gives Sweden arguably the most potent striking partnership at the tournament in terms of combined Premier League output. Isak from Newcastle and Gyökeres from Wolverhampton form a combination that will give every centre-back in this group a serious problem to solve.
Tunisia (4-3-3) – Kais Yaâkoubi
Memmiche; Kechrida, Meriah, Talbi, Abdi; Khedira, Skhiri, Mejbri; Rafia, Jaziri, Achouri
Group G predicted lineups
Belgium (4-2-3-1) – Rudi Garcia
Courtois; Castagne, De Cuyper, Debast, Theate; Onana, Tielemans; Bakayoko, De Bruyne, Doku; Lukaku
Thibaut Courtois returns as one of the finest goalkeepers in the tournament. Kevin De Bruyne at 34 may be in his final World Cup and the motivation will show in every performance. Doku’s direct running from the left gives Belgium an unpredictable and dangerous wide option, while Lukaku brings a physical presence that few defences in this competition can comfortably handle. The key question is whether De Bruyne’s fitness holds across the full tournament.
Egypt (4-3-3) – Hossam Hassan
El Shenawy; Hany, Abdelmonem, Rabia, Fattouh; Fathi, Attia, Zizo; Salah, H. Abdelkarim, Marmoush
Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush in the same front three is one of the most intriguing attacking pairings of the group stage. Salah’s intelligence and positioning combined with Marmoush’s explosive directness gives Egypt a forward line that can threaten any opponent in their group.
Iran (4-4-2) – Amir Ghalenoei
Beiranvand; Hardani, Kanaanizadegan, Khalilzadeh, Mohammadi; Jahanbakhsh, Ezatolahi, Ghoddos, Torabi; Ghayedi, Taremi
New Zealand (4-3-3) – Darren Bazeley
Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace; Garbett, Stamenic, Bell; Wood, Just, Barbarouses
Group H predicted lineups
Spain (4-3-3) – Luis de la Fuente
Simón; Porro, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Pedri; Yamal*, Oyarzabal, Torres
The biggest talking point for Spain heading into the tournament is Lamine Yamal’s hamstring injury, which is expected to see him miss the opening group games. Ferran Torres is the likely deputy until Yamal returns, at which point Spain immediately become a more dangerous proposition going forward. Rodri anchors the midfield with Pedri and Fabián Ruiz alongside him. Unai Simón keeps the goalkeeper position despite David Raya’s outstanding season with Arsenal. Pedro Porro starts at right-back. Notably, not a single Real Madrid player was selected in the Spain squad for this tournament.
*Yamal expected to miss the opening group games due to a hamstring injury. Ferran Torres likely to start in his place initially.
Uruguay (4-2-3-1) – Marcelo Bielsa
Rochet; Nández, Araujo, Giménez, Olivera; Valverde, Ugarte; Pellistri, De Arrascaeta, Araújo; Núñez
Federico Valverde in the double pivot alongside Ugarte gives Uruguay a midfield engine room of genuine elite quality. Darwin Núñez leads the line with Pellistri providing the wide threat on the right. Bielsa’s pressing system demands intensity from every player and Uruguay have the personnel to execute it consistently at tournament level.
Saudi Arabia (4-3-3) – Georgios Donis
Al-Owais; Abdulhamid, Tambakti, Lajami, Kadesh; Kanno, Al-Khaibari, N. Al-Dawsari; Mandash, Al-Buraikan, S. Al-Dawsari
Cape Verde (4-3-3) – Pedro Leitão Brito
Vozinha; Moreira, Costa, Lopes, Paulo; Monteiro, Pina, Duarte; Mendes, Rodrigues, Cabral
Group I predicted lineups
France (4-2-3-1) – Didier Deschamps
Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, T. Hernandez; Tchouaméni, Kanté; Dembélé, Olise, Doué; Mbappé
William Saliba starts in the France back four after a remarkable season as Arsenal’s Premier League-winning centre-back, forming a partnership with Upamecano. N’Golo Kanté’s return to international football gives France a double pivot of genuine elite quality alongside Tchouaméni. Michael Olise and Desire Doué in the second phase represent two of the most exciting young attacking players in European football right now. Mbappe leads the line. France’s attacking depth from first choice to the bench is as frightening as any team in the tournament.
Senegal (4-3-3) – Pape Thiaw
Mendy; Sabaly, Koulibaly, Diallo, Jakobs; Camara, P. Ciss, P. Sarr; I. Sarr, Jackson, Mané
Koulibaly and Diallo give Senegal one of the most physically imposing centre-back pairings in Group I. Ismaila Sarr operates from the right with Nicolas Jackson as the central striker, providing Premier League quality from both positions. Sadio Mané provides the experience and leadership in what could be his final World Cup.
Norway (4-3-3) – Ståle Solbakken
Nyland; Ryerson, Østigård, Hanche-Olsen, Wolfe; Ødegaard, Berge, Thorsby; Bobb, Haaland, Nusa
The most eagerly anticipated lineup at this World Cup. Erling Haaland leads the line in Norway’s first World Cup for 28 years, flanked by Oscar Bobb and Antonio Nusa. Martin Ødegaard, the Arsenal captain and Premier League winner, controls from central midfield with Sander Berge providing the physical complement alongside him. The key concern heading into the tournament is Ødegaard’s fitness after an injury-plagued domestic season. When both are fit and firing, Haaland and Ødegaard together form one of the most dangerous attacking combinations in the competition.
Iraq (4-2-3-1) – Graham Arnold
Jalal Hassan; H. Ali, Younis, Sulaka, Doski; Al-Ammari, Zidane Iqbal; Bayesh, Ali Al-Hamadi, Jasim; Hussein
Group J predicted lineups
Argentina (4-3-3) – Lionel Scaloni
E. Martínez; Molina, Romero, L. Martínez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister; Messi, Álvarez, González
All eyes are on Messi. The defending champions’ captain turns 39 during the tournament and missed a recent prep game with muscle fatigue, making his fitness the single most important variable in Argentina’s World Cup. Alexis Mac Allister starts in the midfield three alongside Enzo Fernández and De Paul. Emi Martínez in goal is among the world’s finest shot-stoppers. If Messi is fit and firing, Argentina are capable of winning back-to-back titles. Everything hinges on that condition.
Algeria (4-2-3-1) – Vladimir Petković
Zidane; Belghali, Belaid, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri; Zerrouki, Boudaoui; Mahrez, Aouar, Chaibi; Gouiri
Riyad Mahrez at 35 remains Algeria’s most important creative player, operating from the right in the 4-2-3-1. Ait-Nouri at left-back provides attacking width down that side. Algeria beat Argentina during CONMEBOL qualifying and are dangerous enough to cause problems for any opponent in Group J.
Austria (4-2-3-1) – Ralf Rangnick
Pentz; Posch, Danso, Wöber, Mwene; Seiwald, Laimer; Sabitzer, Baumgartner, Wimmer; Gregoritsch
Jordan (3-4-2-1) – Jamal Sellami
Abu Laila; Nasib, Al-Arab, Al-Ajalin; Haddad, Al-Rashdan, Al-Rawabdeh, Al-Mardi; Al-Taamari, Olwan; Al-Naimat
Group K predicted lineups
Portugal (4-3-3) – Roberto Martínez
Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inácio, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; B. Silva, Ronaldo, Félix
Portugal use a 4-3-3 with Bernardo Silva alongside Ronaldo and João Félix in a fluid attacking three that can rotate and interchange positions freely. Bruno Fernandes, who broke the Premier League assist record with Manchester United this season, controls from central midfield. João Neves and Vitinha, who were central to PSG’s back-to-back Champions League triumphs, provide the midfield foundation alongside Fernandes. Cancelo starts at right-back with Nuno Mendes nailing down the left side. The key selection debate throughout qualifying has been who starts in the front three alongside Ronaldo, with Félix getting the nod here ahead of Francisco Conceição.
Colombia (4-2-3-1) – Néstor Lorenzo
Vargas; Muñoz, Sánchez, Lucumí, Mojica; Ríos, Lerma; Arias, Rodríguez, Díaz; Córdoba
Luis Díaz operates from the left of the attacking midfield trio with James Rodríguez providing the creative intelligence in the number ten role. Colombia beat Argentina during CONMEBOL qualifying and finished above both Brazil and Uruguay in the standings. Their presence in Group K makes this a far more competitive group than it might otherwise appear.
DR Congo (4-2-3-1) – Sébastien Desabre
Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Pickel, Moutoussamy; Elia, Kakuta, Wissa; Banza
Aaron Wan-Bissaka starts at right-back in a DR Congo lineup that carries genuine Premier League quality in several positions. Yoane Wissa of Brentford operates from the right attacking midfield position alongside Kakuta and Elia in a technically capable and well-organised setup.
Uzbekistan (3-4-2-1) – Fabio Cannavaro
Nematov; Ashurmatov, Khusanov, Abdullaev; Sayfiev, Shukurov, Hamrobekov, Nasrullaev; Urunov, Fayzullaev; Shomurodov
Group L predicted lineups
England (4-2-3-1) – Thomas Tuchel
Pickford; O’Reilly, Stones, Guéhi, James; Rice, Mainoo; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane
England’s most interesting selection decisions fall at fullback and in the second phase of midfield. Nico O’Reilly of Manchester City gets the nod at right-back, with Reece James at left-back in a tactically deliberate choice from Tuchel. Kobbie Mainoo partners Declan Rice in the double pivot, a combination that reflects how significantly the Manchester United midfielder has developed into a genuine international starter. Bukayo Saka operates from the right with Marcus Rashford on the left. Harry Kane, who scored 61 goals for Bayern Munich this season, leads the line in what could be his final genuine opportunity at a major international trophy.
Croatia (4-3-3) – Zlatko Dalić
Livaković; Stanišić, Šutalo, Vušković, Gvardiol; Modrić, Kovačić, Pašalić; Baturina, Budimir, Kramarić
Luka Modrić at 40 leads Croatia’s midfield in what is almost certainly his final World Cup appearance. Joško Gvardiol has developed into one of the best left-backs in the world at Manchester City. Baturina, Budimir and Kramarić give Dalić genuine attacking options across the front three.
Ghana (4-2-3-1) – Carlos Queiroz
Ati-Zigi; Seidu, Opoku, Adjetey, Mensah; Partey, Owusu; Nuamah, Ayew, Williams; Semenyo
Thomas Partey anchors the Ghana midfield from the double pivot. Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth leads the forward line with Williams and Nuamah providing width in an attacking structure that has enough Premier League quality to be competitive against any side in Group L outside of England.
Panama (3-4-3) – Thomas Christiansen
Mosquera; Córdoba, Cummings, Miller; Murillo, Godoy, Carrasquilla, Harvey; Fajardo, Bárcenas, Rodríguez
