Washington, D.C. - The FIFA World Cup 2026 draw took place today, December 5, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.. The event marks a significant milestone in the lead-up to the highly anticipated tournament, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The draw, which began at 12 p.m. ET (17:00 GMT), sets the stage for the expanded 48-team competition, a historic first for the FIFA World Cup.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, football legends, and representatives from the qualified nations. Former England and Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand conducted the draw. The three host countries, Canada, Mexico, and the United States, were automatically assigned to positions A1, B1, and D1, respectively. Mexico will be in Group A, Canada in Group B, and the USA in Group D.
The draw has determined the paths for the 42 teams that have already secured their places in the tournament. Six spots remain open, to be decided in the UEFA playoffs and intercontinental playoffs in March 2026. The teams were divided into four pots based on the FIFA world rankings. Pot 1 comprised the highest-ranked nations along with the host countries.
In an unexpected turn of events, former U.S. President Donald Trump made an appearance and drew the USA from its pot. Following this, FIFA President Gianni Infantino took a selfie with Trump and the leaders of Canada and Mexico.
Adding to the day's surprises, the White House has again asserted that President Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for brokering peace between India and Pakistan, among other achievements. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump ended conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia, Israel and Iran, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India and Pakistan, Serbia and Kosovo, and Egypt and Ethiopia. Leavitt noted this amounts to about one peace deal or ceasefire per month during his six months in office. Trump himself has repeatedly claimed credit for stopping hostilities between India and Pakistan, suggesting that trade was the key to resolving the conflict. However, India has refuted these claims, maintaining that the ceasefire was a result of direct military talks and that no third-party mediation was involved.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 promises a revamped format with 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place teams, will advance to a round of 32. The tournament is scheduled to kick off on June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and conclude on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York City.
