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2026 World Cup Group-Stage Draw Set for Dec. 5 in Washington

The ceremony uses a four-pot format featuring hosts in Pot 1 alongside placeholders for berths that will be decided after the draw.

Overview

  • The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will host the draw in Washington, D.C.
  • Teams will be seeded into four pots based on FIFA rankings, with the United States, Canada and Mexico placed in Pot 1 as hosts.
  • Because only 42 of the 48 participants will be known by draw day, Pot 4 will contain six placeholder balls for undecided teams.
  • Thirty-two nations have qualified so far, and six remaining spots will be determined in March 2026 playoffs.
  • Broadcast plans are not finalized, with free-to-air availability unclear and possible livestreams from rights holders or FIFA.