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World Cup 2026 Draw Completed in Washington Sets Groups for 48-Team Tournament

A new bracket design keeps Spain, Argentina, France and England on separate paths until the semifinals.

Overview

  • Host nations were pre-assigned for scheduling, with Mexico in Group A, Canada in Group B and the United States in Group D.
  • Teams were drawn from four pots based on FIFA rankings under confederation limits that allow at most two UEFA teams per group and only one from any other region.
  • Six berths remain unresolved and appear as Pot 4 placeholders, to be decided in March 2026 via four UEFA playoff winners and two inter-confederation playoff winners.
  • FIFA will publish exact match venues and kick-off times the day after the draw, with subsequent ticketing windows opening after the schedule release.
  • The Kennedy Center ceremony featured high-profile entertainers and sports stars and included FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize, with President Donald Trump playing a prominent role and widely reported as the expected first recipient.