Overview
- The final draw takes place Dec. 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., allocating 48 teams into 12 groups of four.
- FIFA’s new bracket separates Spain, Argentina, France, England into opposite halves so they cannot meet before the semifinals if they win their groups.
- Draw pots, set from the Nov. 19 rankings, place the three hosts in Pot 1 with preassigned slots: Mexico A1, Canada B1, United States D1.
- Six berths remain open, with four UEFA playoff winners and two inter‑confederation playoff winners to fill Pot 4 placeholders after March tournaments.
- Group constraints limit one team per confederation (up to two for UEFA), with venues and kickoff times to be confirmed on Dec. 6; media highlight Australia in Pot 2 and Scotland and South Africa in Pot 3.