World Cup 2026 Draw: Dates, Format, and How to Watch on TV and Internet

2026 FIFA World Cup Draw Set for December 5: A Complete Guide

The stage is set for the official launch of the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown. The draw, taking place December 5th at the John F.Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C., will determine the group stage matchups for the tournament hosted jointly by Canada, the United states, and Mexico. A day later, the full schedule will be released.

Forty-two teams have already qualified, with six more spots to be filled through playoffs in March. These teams have been divided into four pots, each containing 1

What are the key dates associated with the 2026 World Cup, including when final spots are confirmed and the draw takes place?

Key Dates for the 2026 World Cup Draw

The anticipation is building! Here’s a breakdown of the crucial dates surrounding the 2026 World Cup draw:

* final Spots Confirmed: March 2026 – All qualifying teams will be determined.

* Draw Date: July 2026 (Specific date to be confirmed by FIFA). Expect announcements closer to the time.

* Tournament Dates: June 11 – July 19, 2026.

Keep checking FIFA’s official website for the most up-to-date information.

Understanding the 2026 World Cup Format – A 48-Team Tournament

The 2026 World Cup marks a notable shift, expanding from 32 to 48 teams. This change dramatically alters the tournament format. Here’s how it will work:

* Groups: Teams will be divided into 12 groups of four.

* Qualification: The qualification process is ongoing across all six FIFA confederations (AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, OFC, UEFA). More teams have a chance to compete, increasing global representation.

* Round of 32: The top two teams from each group (24 teams total) will automatically advance to the Round of 32.

* Play-off Round: The remaining eight teams will be determined through a play-off round involving the third-placed teams from each group and potential teams from inter-confederation play-offs.

* Knockout Stage: From the Round of 32 onwards, it’s a standard knockout tournament – Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and the Final.

This expanded format aims to provide more opportunities for nations to participate in the FIFA World Cup, fostering greater inclusivity and competition.

Draw Procedure: how Teams Will Be Sorted

The draw will follow a tiered system based on the FIFA World Ranking as of the draw date. This ensures a balanced distribution of strong teams across the groups.

1. Ranking Pots: Teams will be allocated into four pots based on their world ranking.
2. Geographical Restrictions: To avoid having multiple teams from the same confederation in a single group (where feasible),geographical restrictions will be applied. this is particularly relevant for CONCACAF, given the three host nations (USA, Canada, Mexico).
3. Host nation placement: The host nations will be automatically placed in separate groups.
4. Draw Process: The draw will be conducted by FIFA officials, with teams drawn randomly from each pot.

Understanding the world Cup draw procedure is key to predicting potential group matchups and the overall tournament landscape.

Where to Watch the 2026 World Cup Draw – TV and Streaming Options

Don’t miss the excitement! Here’s how you can watch the 2026 world Cup draw live:

* Television:

* FOX & Telemundo (USA): These networks typically hold the broadcasting rights for major FIFA events in the United States.

* CBC (Canada): the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation is highly likely to broadcast the draw.

* Televisa & TV Azteca (Mexico): These are the primary broadcasters in Mexico.

* BBC & ITV (UK): Expect coverage on these major UK networks.

* Check your local listings for specific channels in your region.

* Streaming:

* Peacock (USA): nbcuniversal’s streaming service will likely stream the draw alongside Telemundo coverage.

* CBC Gem (Canada): CBC’s streaming platform.

* FIFA+: FIFA’s official streaming service will provide live coverage of the draw globally. (https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/)

* Other Streaming Services: Many sports streaming services may offer coverage; check their schedules closer to the draw date.

Qualifying Updates & Teams to Watch

As of December 5, 2025, qualifying is still underway. However, several teams are strong contenders:

* Confirmed Qualifiers (as of Dec 5, 2025 – subject to change): (This section will be updated as teams qualify)

* Strong Contenders: Brazil, Argentina, France, England, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, Croatia, USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Australia.

* **Dark Horses