Before the World Cup kicks off next summer, all 48 participating teams will need to determine their match-ups, locations, and routes to the final.
The process is known as the World Cup draw, which involves complex regulations. With assistance from U.S. men’s national team legend and FOX Sports soccer analyst Alexi Lalas, we outline the essential information about the draw.
When and Where is the Draw? How to Watch?
The draw is scheduled for December 5 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., at noon ET/9 a.m. PT. It will be broadcast live on FOX and via streaming on FOX One and FOXSports.com, starting with a pre-show at 11:30 AM ET/8:30 AM PT.
Coverage will extend until 3:00 PM ET following the draw, providing immediate analyses, reactions, and interviews.
When is the World Cup?
The World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across three countries, with the final taking place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. FOX Networks and the FOX Sports app will provide comprehensive tournament coverage, including live matches, highlights, commentary, and replays.
What Are Pots? How Does It Determine Groups?
The 48 teams will be grouped into “pots” based on criteria such as FIFA rankings and confederation restrictions. Currently, we know 42 of the 48 teams, with the remainder to be finalized by March 2026. Each pot will consist of 12 teams, ensuring each group features one team from every pot.
The host nations (Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.) will already be placed in their groups to ensure they host matches in their respective countries. Additionally, teams from the same region (excluding Europe) cannot compete in the same group.
Pot 1
Pot 1 includes the three host nations and the nine highest-ranked teams according to FIFA’s latest rankings released on November 19, featuring Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.
Pots 2, 3 & 4
The other teams will be arranged into Pots 2, 3, and 4 according to their rankings. The upcoming draw will have placeholders for teams coming from playoffs held in March, specifying six vacant slots.
FIFA disclosed the pots on November 25, designating that each of the 12 groups will contain one team from each pot.
Are the USA, Canada, and Mexico Already in Groups?
The co-hosts are assigned to groups to secure that they play in their home countries. The USA will play on June 12 in Los Angeles, June 19 in Seattle, and June 25 in Los Angeles. Canada will compete on June 12 in Toronto, June 18 in Vancouver, and June 24 in Vancouver. Mexico’s matches are booked for June 11 in Mexico City, June 18 in Guadalajara, and June 24 in Mexico City.
Group grouping information:
- Group A: Canada, TBD, TBD, TBD
- Group B: Mexico, TBD, TBD, TBD
- Group D: United States, TBD, TBD, TBD
Groups C through L still await assignments.
