Overview
- The United States landed in Group D with Paraguay, Australia and a UEFA play-off winner, while Mexico will open against South Africa and England will face Croatia with France drawn with Senegal and Argentina grouped with Algeria, Austria and Jordan.
- Six places remain undecided and will be filled in March through four UEFA play-off paths and two inter-confederation play-offs, which were reflected as placeholder balls in Pot 4.
- FIFA structured the draw to keep Spain, Argentina, France and England on separate paths so they could not meet before the semifinals if all win their groups.
- The 2026 tournament features 48 teams in 12 groups, with the top two plus eight best third-placed teams advancing to a new Round of 32, running June 11–July 19 across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, opening at Estadio Azteca and ending at MetLife Stadium.
- The Kennedy Center ceremony featured hosts Heidi Klum and Kevin Hart with performances and sports stars assisting the draw, and included FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize presentation to President Donald Trump.