The road to football’s biggest showpiece is taking shape, with FIFA confirming that the final draw for the 2026 World Cup will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
The iconic U.S. venue will stage one of the sport’s most symbolic traditions, setting the stage for the historic edition of the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, divided into 12 groups of four, and the first to be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
So far, 13 nations have secured qualification alongside the hosts:
- CONCACAF: Canada, Mexico, United States
- CONMEBOL: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador
- AFC: Japan, Iran, Australia, South Korea, Jordan, Uzbekistan
- OFC: New Zealand (qualified), New Caledonia (play-offs)
CAF and UEFA qualifiers remain ongoing, with final slots to be decided in 2025 and early 2026, while the last two tickets will be won through the inter-confederation play-offs in March 2026.
With 35 spots still up for grabs, the Washington draw will be more than a ceremony; it will be the starting point of fresh rivalries, new storylines, and the journey to glory on football’s grandest stage.
