Overview
- Playoff brackets will be drawn in Zurich on Nov. 20, with single‑match semifinals and finals to be played March 26–31, 2026.
- Europe’s path will feature 16 teams competing for four berths, while six teams in the intercontinental playoffs will contest two spots that FIFA officials expect Mexico to host.
- The group‑stage draw is set for Dec. 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, where the United States, Mexico and Canada are pre‑seeded and assigned to Groups D, A and B respectively.
- Six playoff placeholders will be placed in Pot 4 for the draw, reflecting the expanded 48‑team format of 12 groups of four in which the top two and eight best third‑place teams advance.
- Torreón’s TSM complex has been verified by FIFA as a Team Base Camp after visits by Portugal and the Netherlands, while reports in Mexico indicate Chivas and Monterrey may have to vacate Estadio Akron and Estadio BBVA weeks before the tournament.