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2h ago

FIFA Sets 2026 World Cup Draw for Dec. 5 at Washington’s Kennedy Center

The three co-hosts already hold opening-match placements as the expanded field nears completion.

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Overview

  • The group-stage draw begins at 12 p.m. ET on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., with streaming on FIFA’s YouTube channel.
  • Host placements are locked: Mexico opens in Group A in Mexico City, Canada plays game two in Toronto in Group B, and the United States is slated for game three in Group D.
  • The 2026 tournament features 48 teams across 12 groups of four, running June 11–July 19 with 104 matches and a final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
  • Confederation slots have expanded, including eight guaranteed places for AFC, nine for CAF, and at least six for CONCACAF with three host berths already secured.
  • Several teams have qualified, highlighted by first-time entrants Uzbekistan and Jordan and OFC winner New Zealand, while two final spots will be decided via a six-team intercontinental playoff held in host nation venues.