The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup will see all 48 participating teams, including co-hosts U.S., Canada, and Mexico, eager to determine their opponents and match locations during the official draw event.

When and Where is the Draw?

The draw schedule is set for Dec. 5, taking place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., starting at 12 p.m. ET. Fans can tune in live on FOX and stream the event on FOX One, FOXSports.com, and through the FOX Sports App.

Coverage begins at 11:30 AM ET with a pre-show ahead of the main event. After the draw finishes at 2:00 PM ET, FOX will provide additional live coverage until 3:00 PM ET for in-depth analysis, reactions, and interviews.

When is the World Cup?

The tournament is scheduled to occur from June 11 to July 19, 2026, culminating with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

How Does the Draw Work?

Currently, 42 of the 48 teams have secured their slots, with the final six places to be filled in March 2026. The Dec. 5 draw will create groupings for the 48 teams into 12 groups with four teams each.

Teams are categorized into four pots based on FIFA rankings, with the top nine teams, including the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, placed in Pot 1. As the draw proceeds, representatives will randomly select teams from each pot to determine their respective groups.

No group can host more than one team from the same confederation or over two UEFA teams, ensuring a balanced competition. By the end of the draw, all teams will know their group stage opponents and match schedules.