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Turkey have waited 24 years to return to the global stage and their talent is obvious. Drawn in a relatively weak section, Turkey have the individual quality to break down Australia and Paraguay in their opening two games before a potential free-hit against the USA in their final Group D fixture.

A wide-open Group B features three nations with a live chance of taking top billing in the section. Co-hosts Canada, Bosnia-Herzegovina and savvy Switzerland will all feel they can navigate safe passage to the knockouts, although 2022 hosts Qatar may be making up the numbers.

Host nations regularly fare well in international tournaments and a kind draw means Mexico are well placed to continue that trend in 2026.

Group L begins with a clash between England and Croatia in Texas, where the section winner is likely to be decided.

Mexico last tasted defeat in a major tournament home qualifier in September 2017 - losing 2-1 to Germany as they fell short in their quest to reach the 2018 World Cup. Since then they have hosted 17 qualifiers, winning 13 and drawing four.

Co-hosts USA get their World Cup campaign under way against Paraguay and the Stars & Stripes could shine in LA.

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Thomas Tuchel is preparing to deploy an experimental line up for England's first fixture of 2026 but it could backfire as Croatia will be stern opponents in their group opener at this summer's finals.

Given their superb performances at Euro 2024, it is no surprise to see that Spain are not only favourites to top Group H but also become champions of the world for the second time in their history.