Washington, D.C. – The 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup draw, held at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on December 5th, 2025, was an event filled with anticipation, excitement, and a few unforgettable moments. With the tournament expanding to 48 teams for the first time, the draw was a spectacle, featuring a star-studded lineup of presenters and a revamped format.
The ceremony itself was a blend of sport and entertainment, with prominent figures from various fields participating in the draw. Among the notable names were NFL legend Tom Brady and NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal. Their presence added a touch of glamour to the event, highlighting the global appeal of the World Cup. Comedian Kevin Hart, model Heidi Klum, singer Robbie Williams, hockey icon Wayne Gretzky, and former footballers Rio Ferdinand were also part of the star-studded cast. Rio Ferdinand also showcased his acting talent in a skit alongside actors Matthew McConaughey and Salma Hayek.
One of the most talked-about moments was when Tom Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, drew the United States into Group D. The crowd erupted as the host nation was placed alongside Paraguay and Australia. The final spot in Group D will be filled by the winner of the European Playoff C, which includes Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia, and Kosovo. This draw ensures that the U.S. will play all three of its group stage matches on home soil. Their first match is scheduled for June 12th against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Shaquille O'Neal, towering over the stage, brought his characteristic energy and humor to the proceedings. His enthusiastic participation and playful banter with the other presenters kept the atmosphere light and engaging. He picked England to face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L.
The draw also revealed some potentially thrilling matchups. Group A sees Mexico, South Korea, and South Africa together, with the final spot to be determined by the European Playoff D. Group B includes Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar, with another European Playoff team completing the group. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will face Algeria, Austria and Jordan in Group J as they aim to defend their title.
The expansion to 48 teams has created a new format with 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. This new format promises more opportunities for smaller nations to compete on the world stage and potentially upset some of the traditional powerhouses.
Adding to the drama, FIFA President Gianni Infantino invited the leaders of the co-hosting countries – Claudia Sheinbaum (Mexico), Mark Carney (Canada), and Donald J. Trump (United States) – to the stage. Trump was also presented with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize.
With the draw complete, anticipation is building for the start of the tournament on June 11th, 2026. The final is scheduled for July 19th at the New York New Jersey Stadium. The 2026 World Cup promises to be a historic event, showcasing the beautiful game across North America.
