The 'Group of Death': What's the worst-possible World Cup draw for England and Scotland?

"The two nations will discover their three group-stage opponents on December 5, when the draw takes place in Washington DC. This edition of the tournament is the first to boast 48 countries, up from 32, and they will be split into four pots of 12. Each group will consist of one team from each pot, resulting in 12 groups of four teams."

"In total, 42 of the 48 participating teams have been confirmed, with the remaining six places going to the winners of the European and inter-confederation play-offs, which take place next March and include Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. It is unclear whether the six play-off winners will be automatically placed in pot four, or if they will be seeded based on the highest-ranked team in each path."

"It is one of the great talking points in the run up to every major tournament: which group is the 'Group of Death'? England have been dealt a rough hand in previous World Cup draws, most recently at Brazil 2014 when they were lumped with Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica - and promptly finished bottom of the group, with their flight home booked after only two games."

England and Scotland have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, with Scotland returning for the first time since 1998 after beating Denmark. The draw is on 5 December in Washington DC. The tournament expands to 48 teams, split into four pots of 12, creating 12 groups of four. Forty-two teams are confirmed; six places will be decided by European and inter-confederation play-offs next March, involving Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Play-off winners' pot placement is unclear; they may be seeded by the highest-ranked team in each path. England are fourth in the FIFA rankings and expected in pot one.

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