Washington, D.C. – The highly anticipated draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup took place today at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., officially setting the stage for the expanded 48-team tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The event, which ran from 12 p.m. ET to 2 p.m. ET, was attended by prominent figures from the world of sports and entertainment, including Kevin Hart, Heidi Klum, Tom Brady, Shaquille O'Neal, and Wayne Gretzky. Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand conducted the draw.
The draw divided the 48 participating teams into 12 groups of four, setting the stage for the opening matches on June 11, 2026. As co-hosts, Mexico, Canada, and the United States were automatically placed in Pot 1 and will headline three separate groups.
The groups are as follows: * Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa * Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar * Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland * Group D: USA, Australia, Paraguay * Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast * Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia * Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt * Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia * Group I: France, Senegal, Norway * Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria * Group K: Portugal, Columbia, Uzbekistan * Group L: England, Croatia, Panama
The draw was conducted using four pots based on the FIFA rankings of the qualified teams. Pot 1 contained the co-hosts and the highest-ranked teams, ensuring a balanced distribution of strong contenders across the groups.
Adding to the event's significance, FIFA presented former U.S. President Donald Trump with its first-ever peace prize. Also in attendance were the Canadian Prime Minister and the President of Mexico.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks the first time three nations will jointly host the tournament and the first edition to feature an expanded format of 48 teams. Matches will be held in 16 venues across the three countries, showcasing the diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures of North America. The final match is scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
With the groups now determined, anticipation builds as teams prepare for the qualifying rounds that will continue until March of next year. Football fans worldwide eagerly await the kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, poised to witness a historic tournament filled with thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.
