FIFA World Cup 26™ Final Draw Set for Washington DC

Get ready for a major milestone on the road to the FIFA World Cup 26™! The draw for the group stage matches will take place on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.

The iconic national cultural center will host team officials, ambassadors, media, and, uniquely, fans from all 16 Host Cities (across Canada, Mexico, and the United States). It's here that the world's best national teams will learn their path to the final at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026. The draw will begin at 12:00 local time (18:00 CET) and be broadcast globally.

A Unique Opportunity for Fans

In an exciting first, fans from each of the 16 Host Cities will have a chance to attend this once-in-a-lifetime event! FIFA is creating a special lottery where a select number of fans can win complimentary admission, including a VIP experience. Details on how to enter will be announced soon.

Teams and Tournament Timeline

By the time the draw takes place, 42 of the 48 competing teams will be confirmed. The host nations—Mexico (A1), Canada (B1), and the USA (D1)—will already be assigned their groups.

This Final Draw is set to be one of the biggest yet, and it's the next major step in the countdown to the largest FIFA World Cup in history!

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