For the first time, 48 nations will compete for the ultimate prize, and today, their paths will be revealed. This expanded format promises more matches, more drama, and more unforgettable moments. Consequently, this draw is more important than ever.

The event is taking place at the prestigious John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. It marks a crucial milestone on the road to the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Let’s dive into everything you need to know.

How to Watch the World Cup Draw

You can follow the draw live as it unfolds. The ceremony begins at 12:00 PM ET (5:00 PM GMT / 17:00 UK time), with pre-show coverage starting 30 minutes earlier.

Here’s where you can tune in from around the world:

• United States: Fox will broadcast the draw in English, while Telemundo provides Spanish commentary.
• Streaming: Live streams are available globally on the official FIFA.com.

The New 48-Team Draw Format Explained

This World Cup is different. With the tournament expanding to 48 teams, the draw procedure has also been updated. The qualified nations will be drawn into 12 groups of four teams each. This is a significant change from the previous format of eight groups.

The Seeding Pots

The teams are seeded into four pots based on the FIFA Men’s World Ranking from November 19, 2025. This ensures a balanced distribution of top-ranked teams.

• Pot 1: This pot contains the three host nations and the nine highest-ranked qualified teams.
• Pots 2, 3, and 4: The remaining teams are allocated to these pots in descending order of their FIFA ranking.

A key rule prevents teams from the same confederation from being drawn into the same group. However, Europe is the exception. With 16 slots, a maximum of two European teams can be in the same group.

Host Nations’ Predetermined Slots

As hosts, the United States, Canada, and Mexico not only qualified automatically but also have pre-assigned positions in the group stage. This helps with logistical planning for the tournament.

• Mexico: Position A1
• Canada: Position B1
• United States: Position D1

You can find more details about the host nation preparations on the US Soccer Federation Website.

The Final Road to Qualification

While 42 teams have already booked their tickets to North America, six spots remain available. These final places will be decided through exciting playoff tournaments in March 2026.

The inter-confederation playoffs will feature six teams from five different confederations, all competing for the last two qualification spots. Additionally, the UEFA playoffs will feature 16 European teams competing for the final four slots from that region. These knockout matches are sure to provide intense drama before the tournament even begins.

What Comes Next?

With the groups decided, the next major announcement is just around the corner. FIFA is set to release the full match schedule on Saturday, December 6. This will include the specific dates, kickoff times, and venues for every group stage game. Soon, fans will be able to start planning their journeys and circling key dates on their calendars. The World Cup officially kicks off on June 11, 2026, with the final set for July 19, 2026.

Conclusion

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw is more than just a ceremony; it’s the official start of the countdown. Today, dreams are born as nations discover their opponents and map out their potential routes to glory. With an expanded format and three host nations, this tournament promises to be a spectacular celebration of the beautiful game. The groups are being set, the rivalries are taking shape, and the entire world is watching. The road to 2026 starts now.