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43m ago

FIFA Sets 2026 World Cup Draw for Dec. 5 in Washington as Full Pots Are Unveiled

With 42 teams already qualified for an expanded 48‑nation tournament, the draw seeding clarifies the path to a new 12‑group format before March playoffs finalize the field.

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Overview

  • FIFA published the four draw pots, placing the three hosts and nine top‑ranked qualifiers in Pot 1 and reserving Pot 4 slots for playoff winners.
  • Mexico, Canada and the United States are pre‑assigned to Groups A, B and C respectively for the group stage.
  • The draw will be held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 5 at noon ET, and President Donald Trump is expected to attend.
  • The 2026 finals introduce 12 groups of four, with group winners, runners‑up and the eight best third‑placed teams advancing to a new round of 32.
  • Forty‑two nations have secured places so far, including debutants Curaçao, Cape Verde, Jordan and Uzbekistan, with four UEFA berths and two intercontinental spots to be decided in March.