Overview
- México will open the tournament against South Africa at Estadio Azteca after hosts were preassigned as A1 (Mexico), B1 (Canada) and D1 (United States).
- Argentina, the defending champion, was drawn into Group J with Austria, Algeria and Jordan.
- The expanded 48‑team format features 12 groups of four, with the top two plus the eight best third‑placed teams advancing to a 32‑team knockout bracket.
- During the gala, FIFA president Gianni Infantino presented the new FIFA Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump, as reports surfaced that Iranian delegates were denied U.S. visas.
- The draw was staged under tight security at Washington’s Kennedy Center, blending a high‑production show with appearances by performers and sports legends such as Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Aaron Judge and Shaquille O’Neal.