The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw is scheduled for Friday, December 5, 2025, at 12 PM ET, taking place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
The draw will officially decide the group stage pairings for the expanded 48-team format. Each team will discover its fate as nations are placed into 12 groups of four, marking the first time in history the World Cup features this structure.
The host nations have already been assigned to specific groups:
- 🇲🇽 Mexico – Group A, and will kick off the tournament in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
- 🇨🇦 Canada – Group B, and will host the second match in Toronto.
- 🇺🇸 United States – Group D, scheduled for the third fixture.
📺 How to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw Live
Fans worldwide can witness the draw live from Washington, D.C.
Event Details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, December 5, 2025 |
| Time | 12 PM ET |
| Venue | Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C. |
| Live Streaming | FIFA’s Official YouTube Channel |
Football enthusiasts can stream the event globally and follow live reactions as groups and fixtures are unveiled.
🌍 Number of Teams and Format Explained
For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the traditional 32-team structure.
Originally, FIFA planned to use 16 groups of three teams, but later reverted to a four-team group format to maintain competitive balance and excitement.
- Total Groups: 12
- Teams per Group: 4
- Total Matches: Increased significantly due to the expanded format
- Top Teams: The top two from each group and eight best third-placed teams will progress to the Round of 32
This means more matches, more drama, and greater opportunities for emerging nations to make history on the world stage.
For a full list of qualified teams, visit worldcupliveschedule.com/qualified-teams.
You can also explore the complete match schedule and fixture dates at worldcupliveschedule.com/schedule.
🏆 Why the Draw Matters
The World Cup draw is not just a formal procedure — it sets the tone for the tournament. The draw determines potential “Groups of Death,” exciting continental rivalries, and early clashes between football giants.
Fans, analysts, and teams will eagerly evaluate the outcomes, speculating on paths to the knockout stage and possible dream matchups.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw represents the beginning of a new chapter in football history. With the expanded format and three host nations, this tournament promises to be the most inclusive and spectacular World Cup ever staged.
As December 5 approaches, the anticipation continues to grow — setting the stage for an unforgettable summer of football in North America.