A key innovation for this draw is safeguarding top-ranked teams. The four highest-ranked nations will avoid early clashes. This means teams like Spain, Argentina, France, and England will not meet until at least the semi-finals. This is assuming each tops their respective group.
Furthermore, groups cannot include more than one team from the same confederation. Europe is the sole exception to this rule. With 16 UEFA nations expected to qualify, four groups will feature two European sides.
Host Nations Already Placed
The three host nations will bypass the draw entirely. They have already been assigned to their groups.
The United States leads Group D. They will play two matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. Mexico will headline Group A. They are set to enjoy a vibrant home atmosphere. Their tournament begins on June 11 at the iconic Azteca Stadium. They will then travel to Guadalajara for their third group game.
Canada takes its place in Group B. Their schedule includes one match in Toronto and two in Vancouver.
New Knockout Round Structure
The expanded format introduces an additional knockout stage. Following the group phase, the tournament progresses to a Round of 32. This stage will include the first and second-placed teams from each group. It will also feature the eight best third-placed sides.
This means 32 nations will advance beyond the group stage. Only 16 teams will be eliminated after the initial 72 matches.
Provisional Pots Breakdown
Pot 1: United States, Mexico, Canada, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany.
Pot 2: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Iran, South Korea, Ecuador, Austria, Australia.
Pot 3: Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa.
Pot 4: Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand, four UEFA play-off winners, two intercontinental play-off winners.
UEFA Play-Off Paths
Sixteen European teams are vying for the final four places:
Path A: Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Italy or Northern Ireland
Path B: Ukraine or Sweden vs. Poland or Albania
Path C: Slovakia or Kosovo vs. Turkey or Romania
Path D: Czech Republic or Ireland vs. Denmark or North Macedonia
All semi-finals are scheduled for March 26. The finals will take place on March 31.
Intercontinental Play-Offs
Six teams will compete for two remaining World Cup spots. Both play-off paths will be held in Mexico.
Path 1: New Caledonia or Jamaica vs. DR Congo
Path 2: Bolivia or Suriname vs. Iraq
The semi-finals are set for March 26. The final qualification matches will happen on March 31.
Nigerians should note: the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw commences at 3 p.m. Nigerian time in the United States.
Football enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting Friday, December 5. On this day, FIFA will conduct the highly anticipated draw for the 2026 World Cup. This tournament marks a historic first, featuring an expanded format with 48 teams.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19. It will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This new format introduces significant changes to the competition. The upcoming draw is crucial. It will determine the groups for all 48 participating nations, shaping their journey in the early stages.
Top Seeds and Draw Mechanics
FIFA will divide the 48 teams into four pots. Each pot will contain 12 teams. Their placement will be based on the latest world rankings. Every group will then feature one team from each pot.
A key innovation for this draw is safeguarding top-ranked teams. The four highest-ranked nations will avoid early clashes. This means teams like Spain, Argentina, France, and England will not meet until at least the semi-finals. This is assuming each tops their respective group.
Furthermore, groups cannot include more than one team from the same confederation. Europe is the sole exception to this rule. With 16 UEFA nations expected to qualify, four groups will feature two European sides.
Host Nations Already Placed
The three host nations will bypass the draw entirely. They have already been assigned to their groups.
The United States leads Group D. They will play two matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. Mexico will headline Group A. They are set to enjoy a vibrant home atmosphere. Their tournament begins on June 11 at the iconic Azteca Stadium. They will then travel to Guadalajara for their third group game.
Canada takes its place in Group B. Their schedule includes one match in Toronto and two in Vancouver.
New Knockout Round Structure
The expanded format introduces an additional knockout stage. Following the group phase, the tournament progresses to a Round of 32. This stage will include the first and second-placed teams from each group. It will also feature the eight best third-placed sides.
This means 32 nations will advance beyond the group stage. Only 16 teams will be eliminated after the initial 72 matches.
Provisional Pots Breakdown
Pot 1: United States, Mexico, Canada, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany.
Pot 2: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Iran, South Korea, Ecuador, Austria, Australia.
Pot 3: Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa.
Pot 4: Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand, four UEFA play-off winners, two intercontinental play-off winners.
UEFA Play-Off Paths
Sixteen European teams are vying for the final four places:
Path A: Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Italy or Northern Ireland
Path B: Ukraine or Sweden vs. Poland or Albania
Path C: Slovakia or Kosovo vs. Turkey or Romania
Path D: Czech Republic or Ireland vs. Denmark or North Macedonia
All semi-finals are scheduled for March 26. The finals will take place on March 31.
Intercontinental Play-Offs
Six teams will compete for two remaining World Cup spots. Both play-off paths will be held in Mexico.
Path 1: New Caledonia or Jamaica vs. DR Congo
Path 2: Bolivia or Suriname vs. Iraq
The semi-finals are set for March 26. The final qualification matches will happen on March 31.
Nigerians should note: the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw commences at 3 p.m. Nigerian time in the United States.
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