The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching, with the much-anticipated group draw set for December 5. This event marks the official start of the countdown for the tournament, co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico next year. The draw ceremony will take place at the historic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Group Draw Format and Key Dates
The draw will feature a total of 48 teams, including 42 that have already qualified. The remaining six spots will be filled through play-offs scheduled for March. These teams will be organized into four pots, each containing 12 national teams. The first pot includes the three host nations and the nine highest-ranked teams as per the FIFA rankings from November.
The teams in Pot 1 are:
- Canada
- United States
- Mexico
- Spain
- Argentina
- France
- England
- Brazil
- Portugal
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- Germany
During the draw, the host countries will be placed in specific groups, with Mexico in Group A, Canada in Group B, and the United States in Group D. This alignment is designed to ensure that the top teams, like Spain and Argentina, do not meet until the later stages of the tournament, if at all.
Pots for the Group Draw
The subsequent pots will be filled as follows:
- Pot 2: Includes 12 more qualifying teams based on FIFA rankings.
- Pot 3: Contains teams ranked lower and the allocated teams from the play-offs.
- Pot 4: Features teams that fill the remaining slots, ensuring no two teams from the same confederation meet, except UEFA, with 16 teams from Europe participating.
Match Process and Viewing Options
Unlike previous World Cup draws, the order of teams in each group will not be randomized. A pre-determined match order will be set, enhancing predictability for fans and teams alike. For instance, in Group A, Mexico’s matches will follow a specific sequence against teams drawn from the other pots.
Of the 48 teams, only 32 will advance to the knockout stage. This includes the top 12 teams, the second-place teams from each group, and the eight best third-placed teams. The knockout round will feature a series of predetermined matchups, ensuring a fast-paced progression to the finals.
Broadcast Information
The draw will be broadcast live on FIFA’s official website and various social media platforms. Key broadcasting options include:
- Argentina: Telefe, TyC Sports, DSports, FIFA+, Disney+
- Colombia: Caracol Televisión, RCN, DSports
- Spain: RTVE, Gol, FIFA+
- United States: Telemundo, FuboTV, Fox Sports, Peacock
- Mexico: Canal 5, Las Estrellas, TUDN, ViX
Fans across different time zones can catch the event at various local times. For example, the draw will begin at noon in Miami, 11 a.m. in Mexico City, and 2 p.m. in Buenos Aires.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be an exciting tournament, integrating innovative formats and wide-reaching engagement for fans around the globe.
