Overview

• The group-stage draw is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on Dec. 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
• The 2026 tournament features 48 teams in 12 groups of four, runs June 11–July 19, and concludes at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
• FIFA lists 18 nations already qualified, including hosts United States, Canada, Mexico; AFC first-timers Uzbekistan and Jordan; New Zealand; and established sides such as Argentina, Brazil, Japan and Iran.
• Hosts are pre-placed for opening fixtures: Mexico in Group A for the June 11 opener in Mexico City, Canada in Group B for game two in Toronto, and the United States in Group D for game three.
• OneFootball reports several teams across CONCACAF, CAF and UEFA could secure places during the Oct. 8–14 window, while the final spots will be decided in March 2026 via a six-team intercontinental playoff used as a test event; New Caledonia is in that playoff and OneFootball says Bolivia has also booked a berth.