The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, took place on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.. The event officially launched the expanded tournament, featuring 48 teams for the first time in World Cup history. Former England and Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand conducted the draw.
Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, Spain, and England, were among the teams who seemingly received favorable draws. Argentina finds itself in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Spain will compete in Group H with Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. England is set to face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in Group L.
The draw saw the 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the round of 32. The tournament will consist of 104 matches in total.
The three host nations were automatically placed in Pot 1, with Mexico in Group A, Canada in Group B, and the United States in Group D. The US will face Paraguay, Australia and the winner of UEFA Playoff C (Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo). Mexico will play South Africa, South Korea, and the winner of UEFA Playoff D (Republic of Ireland, Czechia, Denmark, or North Macedonia). Canada is grouped with Qatar, Switzerland and the winner of UEFA Playoff A (Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales or Bosnia).
Several notable figures from the sports and entertainment world participated in the draw ceremony, including Heidi Klum, Kevin Hart, Tom Brady, Robbie Williams, Shaquille O'Neal, and Wayne Gretzky. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also addressed the audience, welcoming attendees in multiple languages. President Trump attended the ceremony and was awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The opening match will be held in Mexico City on June 11. The final is scheduled for July 19 in New Jersey.
The draw also produced some potentially challenging groups. Group I, consisting of France, Senegal, Norway, and a FIFA Playoff winner, is considered by some to be the closest to a "group of death". Qatar, the host of the 2022 World Cup, was drawn into a group with Canada and Switzerland. Debutant nation Jordan was drawn into Group J alongside Argentina, Austria and Algeria.
With the groups now set, teams can begin their preparations for the tournament. The remaining six spots will be determined by playoffs in March.
