The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the biggest tournament in football history. With 48 teams, three host nations and a new expanded format, the excitement begins with the official World Cup Draw. Fans worldwide are searching for the exact date, time, schedule, format and where to watch the event live.
This guide provides a complete breakdown of everything you need to know about the FIFA World Cup Draw 2026 in one place.
Quick Information Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Draw Date | Friday December 5 2025 |
| Draw Location | John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Washington D C USA |
| Start Time | 12 PM ET 5 PM GMT |
| Tournament Format | 48 teams 12 groups of four |
| Qualified Teams | 42 qualified 6 playoff spots to be filled |
| Host Nations | USA Canada Mexico |
| Tournament Dates | June 11 to July 19 2026 |
Global Draw Time Conversion
| Country | Local Time |
|---|---|
| United States ET | 12 PM |
| United Kingdom | 5 PM GMT |
| Central Europe | 6 PM CET |
| India | 10:30 PM IST |
| Pakistan | 10 PM PKT |
| Middle East | 8 PM GST |
| Japan | 2 AM JST (December 6) |
| Australia | 4 AM AEST (December 6) |
How to Watch the FIFA World Cup Draw 2026 Live
The draw will be available globally through official streams and broadcast networks.
Online Streaming
FIFA Official Website
FIFA YouTube Channel
FIFA+ App
TV Broadcasts
FOX Sports and Telemundo in the United States
BBC and ITV in the United Kingdom
beIN Sports in Europe and the Middle East
Sony Sports Network in India
SuperSport in Africa
TUDN and ESPN in Latin America
These channels will provide full coverage of the ceremony including analysis, expert commentary and group breakdowns.
Format of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 tournament features the largest format change in World Cup history. Instead of 32 teams, the competition expands to 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four.
How the Format Works
The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout rounds
Eight of the best third placed teams also qualify
The knockout phase begins with a Round of 32
This format increases the number of matches to 104, making it the biggest sporting tournament ever hosted.
Host Nations and Assigned Groups
The 2026 World Cup will be co hosted by three nations for the first time.
- Mexico will be placed in Group A
- Canada will be placed in Group B
- The United States will be placed in Group D
All three host nations qualify automatically.
Official Host Cities for World Cup 2026
United States
1. New York New Jersey
2. Los Angeles
3. Dallas
4. San Francisco Bay Area
5. Miami
6. Atlanta
7. Boston
8. Houston
9. Seattle
10. Philadelphia
11. Kansas City
Canada
1. Toronto
2. Vancouver
Mexico
1. Mexico City
2. Guadalajara
3. Monterrey
These cities will host group stage and knockout matches with world class stadiums and fan experiences.
Qualified Teams and Remaining Playoff Spots
As of December 2025, 42 teams have officially qualified for the World Cup. The remaining six teams will be decided in March 2026 through intercontinental playoffs.
Once the playoffs conclude, the final list of 48 nations will be locked in before the draw.
Seeding Pots and Ranking System
Teams are seeded into four pots based on the FIFA World Rankings from November 2025. Each group will include one team from each pot.
Confederation rules ensure that no group will contain more than one nation from the same region except Europe which may have up to two countries in a single group.
What to Expect From the Draw Ceremony
The draw will reveal all twelve groups and determine which teams will face each other during the group stage. It will also identify early rivalries, potential underdog matchups and the highly anticipated group of death.
Fans worldwide will be watching closely to see where their nation lands and which stadiums will host their opening matches.
World Cup 2026 Tournament Schedule
- Opening Match: June 11 2026
- Group Stage: June 11 to July 2
- Round of 32: July 3 to July 9
- Round of 16: July 10 to July 13
- Quarterfinals: July 15 to July 18
- Semifinals: July 21 to July 22
- Final: July 19 2026 (New York New Jersey)
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the FIFA World Cup Draw 2026 start
The ceremony begins at 12 PM Eastern Time 5 PM GMT.
Where can I watch the draw
The event will be streamed live on FIFA com YouTube and major sports networks like BBC FOX Sports and beIN Sports.
How does the draw work
Teams are placed into seeding pots then drawn into groups of four based on ranking and confederation rules.
When does the World Cup start
The tournament begins on June 11 2026 and ends on July 19 2026.
How many teams advance from each group
Two teams qualify directly along with eight of the best third placed teams.
Final Thoughts
The FIFA World Cup Draw 2026 marks the beginning of an exciting new era for global football. With a record number of teams, three host nations and a groundbreaking tournament structure, fans can expect unforgettable moments from start to finish.
The draw will set the stage for the matchups, rivalries and storylines that will define the 2026 World Cup. Stay tuned for live updates and full group breakdowns once the ceremony concludes.
