The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will unfold live on December 5, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. — a moment that blends global sport with American political symbolism. At the podium, former Donald J. Trump, now chairman of the Kennedy Center, will stand beside Gianni Infantino, president of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), as they pull the names that will shape the most ambitious World Cup in history. The event isn’t just about seeding teams — it’s about setting the stage for 104 matches across three nations, a first in football’s 94-year tournament legacy.
The Draw: When, Where, and Who’s Calling the Shots
The ceremony begins at 12:00 Eastern Time — 5 p.m. in London, 6 p.m. in Zurich, and 9 a.m. in Los Angeles. The venue, a grand cultural landmark on F Street NW, will be packed with diplomats, broadcasters, and fans from every corner of the globe. Unlike past draws held in neutral cities like Moscow or Zurich, this one carries political weight. Trump’s role as chairman of the Kennedy Center isn’t ceremonial; he’s been publicly involved since the bid was awarded in 2018. Infantino, who’s led FIFA since 2016, called the upcoming tournament “104 Super Bowls.” Whether that’s hype or prophecy remains to be seen — but the scale is undeniable.
Who’s Already In? 42 Teams, Including England and Scotland
Forty-two teams have already punched their tickets. England qualified as one of Europe’s top-ranked sides after dominating their group and finishing strong in the UEFA Nations League. Scotland followed a grittier path, surviving a tense playoff against Serbia and then sealing their spot in November 2024. Both will be among the top seeds when the draw happens, meaning they’re likely to avoid each other until the knockout rounds. Other confirmed teams include Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Germany, France, Japan, and Morocco — a mix of traditional powers and rising forces.
But the drama isn’t over. Six spots remain, all to be decided in a high-stakes, single-leg playoff system in March 2026. The semi-finals are set for March 26, and the finals on March 31. One of the most anticipated potential matchups? Wales versus Northern Ireland. They’re in the same playoff path — meaning if both win their semi-finals, they’ll face off in a final at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Imagine the tension: a World Cup berth on the line, just 150 miles apart, two nations with deep football roots but no recent glory.
The Tournament Schedule: A 39-Day Marathon
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026, and doesn’t let up until the final whistle on July 19. The group stage runs through June 27, with 16 groups of three teams — a radical shift from the traditional four-team groups. Each team plays two matches, meaning no team is guaranteed a third game unless they finish top or second. That’s a gamble: one loss, and you’re out.
Here’s the timeline:
- Group Stage: June 11–27, 2026
- Round of 32: June 28–July 3
- Round of 16: July 4–7
- Quarter-finals: July 9–11
- Semi-finals: July 14–15
- Third-place playoff: July 18
- Final: July 19
That’s a packed schedule — no rest days between rounds, and the final will be played on a Sunday, as tradition demands. The MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the AT&T Stadium in Texas, and BC Place in Vancouver are among the 16 venues chosen. Mexico’s Estadio Azteca will host the final, making it the first stadium to host two World Cup finals — 1970 and now 2026.
Why This Matters: A New Era for Global Football
The expansion to 48 teams isn’t just about money — though FIFA expects $14 billion in revenue — it’s about inclusion. Smaller nations like Jamaica, Panama, and Uzbekistan now have a real shot. But critics warn it dilutes quality. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar had 32 teams; the average goal-per-game was 2.7. With more teams, the gap between top and bottom could widen. Still, the tournament’s structure — three-team groups — forces teams to win. No more “draw and survive.”
The three-nation hosting model is unprecedented. The U.S. will handle 60 matches, Canada 12, and Mexico 32. It’s a logistical marvel — fans will fly from Dallas to Toronto to Mexico City in the same week. The United States Soccer Federation, Canadian Soccer Association, and Mexican Football Federation worked together for years to make this bid work. They won the vote in Moscow on June 13, 2018, beating out Morocco in a 134–65 decision. That night, the future of the World Cup changed.
What Comes Next? The Draw’s Ripple Effects
After December 5, the real work begins. Teams will scramble to adjust tactics, manage player fatigue, and navigate the tight schedule. For England, the draw could mean avoiding Spain or Brazil until the semis — or being stuck in a group with Senegal and Ecuador. For Wales, a win in March could mean a dream final against the U.S. in Los Angeles. For fans, it’s a chance to see underdogs rise. And for Trump? It’s another global stage — one he’s already called “the biggest event in sports.” Whether that’s true depends on how many people show up. But one thing’s certain: the world will be watching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will be in the 2026 World Cup draw besides Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino?
Alongside Trump and Infantino, FIFA will invite former World Cup winners and legends like Cafu, Miroslav Klose, and Michelle Akers to assist with the draw. Each group will be drawn by a different legend, adding ceremonial weight. The process will be live-streamed globally, with real-time graphics showing team confederation balances to ensure no group has more than two teams from the same region (except UEFA).
How does the three-team group format change the strategy for teams?
No team gets a guaranteed third match. Winning both games guarantees advancement. A win and a loss leaves you with three points — but if another team wins both, you’re out. It’s high-risk: teams must attack early. Defending teams face pressure to score, not just hold. This format favors stronger squads and penalizes defensive tactics, making group stages more explosive.
Can Wales and Northern Ireland actually meet in the playoff final?
Yes. They’re in the same playoff path (Path B), meaning if both win their semi-finals on March 26, 2026, they’ll face off on March 31 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. It’s the first time since 2010 that two British Home Nations could meet for a World Cup spot. The match could draw over 70,000 fans — more than any World Cup qualifier in Welsh history.
Why was the draw moved to Washington, D.C. instead of Zurich?
FIFA moved the draw to the U.S. to emphasize the tournament’s North American identity and to leverage the political and media spotlight. The Kennedy Center, a U.S. national landmark, symbolizes cultural prestige. While FIFA’s headquarters are in Zurich, the decision reflects a broader shift: the World Cup is now a global spectacle hosted by the U.S., not just governed by Europe.
What’s the significance of the 48-team format?
It’s the first expansion since 1998, when the tournament grew from 24 to 32 teams. This time, FIFA aims to include more African, Asian, and CONCACAF nations. The goal is to grow global interest — and revenue. But it’s controversial: some analysts say the quality will drop, and the tournament could feel bloated. Still, it’s the future. The 2030 World Cup may expand further, possibly to 64 teams.
Which stadiums are expected to host the final and semifinals?
The final will be held at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City — the only stadium to host two World Cup finals (1970, 1986). The semifinals are expected at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Both have over 80,000 seats and are among the most technologically advanced venues in the world, with retractable roofs and ultra-HD screens. The third-place playoff will likely be at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.