The final draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will happen on December 5, 2025, in Washington DC. It will create 12 groups of 4 teams each in the biggest World Cup ever: 48 countries, 104 matches, and three host nations (USA, Mexico, and Canada) for the first time in history.

All teams are divided into four pots (bowls) of 12 teams each, based on the FIFA ranking from November 19, 2025. Pot 1 has the three hosts (Mexico, Canada, USA) plus the nine highest-ranked teams like Argentina, Spain, France, and England. Pots 2, 3, and 4 have the rest. There are still six spots open (two from Europe and four from intercontinental playoffs), so placeholders will be used in Pot 4.

Right now, 42 teams have already qualified. Europe gets 16 spots, Africa 9, Asia 8, South America 6, North/Central America 6 (including the three hosts), and Oceania 1. The last six teams will be known in March 2026.

The draw starts with Pot 1. The three hosts already know their starting positions: Mexico = Group A, position 1 Canada = Group B, position 1 USA = Group D, position 1 The other nine teams from Pot 1 are drawn into the remaining group leader spots (C, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L).

Then Pots 2, 3, and 4 are drawn one by one. Each team goes into a random group, but the computer follows a fixed order for positions (2, 3, or 4) to make the schedule and travel easier for everyone.

Important rules to keep groups fair: -No group can have more than one team from the same continent, except Europe (max two per group because they have 16 teams). -The four highest-ranked teams (not counting hosts) are placed in different halves of the bracket so they can only meet in the semi-finals or later.

The tournament will use 16 stadiums: 11 in the USA, 3 in Mexico, and 2 in Canada. To save travel time, the 12 groups are split into three regions: East (Groups A–C), Central (D–F), and West (G–L). The exact match schedule will be released one day after the draw.

The opening match everyone is waiting for: the very first game of the World Cup will be on June 11, 2026, at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Mexico will play that historic opening match against whoever they draw. -The final will be on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.

Mark your calendar: December 5, 2025 – the day the road to the 2026 World Cup really begins! ⚽🌎