The 2025 FIFA World Cup draw unveiled thrilling group-stage matchups for the expanded 48-nation tournament across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Lionel Messi's Argentina will start against Algeria, while the U.S. faces Paraguay. The ceremony in Washington D.C. featured celebrity appearances and a FIFA peace prize for Donald Trump, setting the stage for epic clashes and a potential Messi-Ronaldo quarterfinal.
The 2025 FIFA World Cup draw, held in Washington D.C., determined the group-stage opponents for the expanded 48-nation, 104-game tournament kicking off June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will begin their title defense against Algeria. The U.S. national team is set to open against Paraguay, while Mexico will host South Africa in the tournament's inaugural match at Azteca Stadium. The elaborate ceremony at the Kennedy Center featured U.S. President Donald Trump receiving a FIFA peace prize, alongside appearances by other heads of state and celebrities like Tom Brady and Shaquille O’Neal. Notable matchups include Curaçao against Germany, England facing Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, and Brazil taking on Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. France will play Senegal and Norway, potentially pitting Kylian Mbappé against Erling Haaland. Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal is drawn against Uzbekistan, Colombia, and a playoff winner, creating the exciting possibility of a Messi-Ronaldo quarterfinal clash. The tournament structure will see 12 groups, with top teams advancing to a new round of 32, culminating in the final on July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Coaches expressed anticipation and acknowledged the challenges of the diverse playing conditions across North America.
