FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw Set for December 4 in Washington, DC

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw is scheduled for December 4 in Washington, DC, where prominent sports figures will gather to determine the group placements for the tournament. With 48 teams participating, the draw will finalize the composition of 12 groups, setting the stage for the tournament that kicks off on June 11. Notable attendees include former England captain Rio Ferdinand and NFL legend Tom Brady, among others. The event promises to be a significant milestone in the lead-up to one of the world's most prestigious football tournaments.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 5, 2025, 02:08 IST

Exciting Preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw

Washington, DC - On December 4, the highly anticipated Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place in Washington, DC, featuring some of the sport's most prominent figures.

Scheduled for 10:30 PM Indian time, this event will determine the arrangement of 12 groups, each consisting of four teams, for the upcoming tournament hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, which will showcase 48 teams starting June 11.

Following the group allocations, FIFA will unveil a complete schedule, including venues and match times, during another event in Washington on December 6, according to reports.

Former England captain Rio Ferdinand, who boasts a remarkable career with Manchester United, will oversee the draw alongside presenter Sam Johnson.

The event will also welcome sports legends from various disciplines, including NFL superstar Tom Brady, ice hockey icon Wayne Gretzky, MLB star Aaron Judge, and NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal, who will host a red-carpet segment prior to the draw.

The tournament will feature 48 teams divided into 12 groups labeled A to L. The top nine seeded teams, along with the three co-host nations, will be placed in Pot One. Traditionally, the host countries—Mexico (Group A), Canada (Group B), and the USA (Group D)—have already been assigned their groups.

Top-seeded teams in the draw include defending champions Argentina, along with Spain, France, and England, all of whom are in Pool 1 and cannot face each other until at least the semifinals.

Other notable teams in Pot One include five-time champions Brazil, Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, and four-time champions Germany.

Six playoff qualifiers, yet to be determined, will be placed in Pot Four, with four-time champions Italy among them, should they secure their spot.

Debutants Uzbekistan will be in Pot 3, while fellow newcomers Jordan and Cape Verde will be in Pot 4.

FIFA World Cup 2026 pots:

- Pot 1: Canada, Mexico, USA, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany

- Pot 2: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Iran, South Korea, Ecuador, Austria, Australia

- Pot 3: Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Uzbekistan, Qatar, South Africa

- Pot 4: Jordan, Cape Verde, Curacao, Ghana, Haiti, New Zealand, four European playoff winners, two intercontinental playoff winners.