The countdown to the most ambitious FIFA World Cup in history is in full motion. Fans worldwide are waiting to see how the expanded 48-team format will shape the path to glory.
The World Cup 2026 Draw will set the tone for a tournament spread across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With football giants, rising nations, and six undecided playoff winners in the mix, this year’s draw promises tension, surprises, and global attention. Here is your complete, simple guide to the event.
World Cup 2026 Draws—What to Expect
The 2026 World Cup brings together 48 teams in a new format that expands competition and increases global participation. FIFA will conduct the event with a strict pot system based on rankings and host privileges. Fans can expect clarity on all eight groups, match lines, and potential heavyweight clashes.
When the Draws Happens
The draw will take place on Friday, 5 December, at the Kennedy Centre in Washington D.C.
Kick-off time for the ceremony is 5 PM GMT which is 12 PM local time in the United States.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino will guide the event. It will be a long broadcast because FIFA usually breaks down every grouping step in detail.
Fans should look out for the official match schedule. FIFA will release the full list of fixtures on Saturday at 5 PM GMT after confirming venues and kick-off times for global audiences.
How the World Cup 2026 Draws Work
FIFA will place all 48 qualified nations into four pots of 12. The pots depend on FIFA rankings, not continental zones.
Key rules
- Pot 1 holds the three host nations – USA, Mexico, Canada – plus the world’s highest-ranked teams.
- Pot 4 includes six play-off winners, even if some of them rank higher than teams in Pot 3.
- FIFA has already set the top seeds. Spain and Argentina will sit in opposite halves of the tournament tree, making them possible finalists only. The same rule applies to France and England.
This structure ensures balance across the groups and prevents early collisions between football heavyweights.
Pot Allocation for the World Cup 2026
Pot 1
Canada, Mexico, USA, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany
Pot 2
Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Iran, South Korea, Ecuador, Austria, Australia
Pot 3
Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa
Pot 4
Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand, four European play-off winners, two intercontinental play-off winners
Who Still Needs to Qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Eight European teams and four intercontinental hopefuls are still battling for the last slots.
European Play-Off Line-up
Wales v Bosnia
Italy v Northern Ireland
Ukraine v Sweden
Poland v Albania
Slovakia v Kosovo
Turkiye v Romania
Czech Republic v Ireland
Denmark v North Macedonia
Intercontinental Play-Off Path
New Caledonia v Jamaica (winner faces DR Congo)
Bolivia v Suriname (winner faces Iraq)
The winners from these ties will fill the final positions in Pot 4.
Where to Watch the World Cup 2026 Draws
Fans globally will be able to follow the event live on official FIFA digital platforms, including YouTube and FIFA Plus. Many national broadcasters will also air the ceremony.
Expect heavy coverage across sports channels in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. This wide broadcast ensures every supporter can watch their nation’s path unfold in real time.
