When is the World Cup 2026 draw? Date, time, new format, and how to watch | OneFootball

Sport’s biggest tournament goes Stateside for the first time this century

Next year is World Cup year, and excitement is building as the draw for the group stage draws nearer.

Jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, it is the first time that the tournament will be hosted by three countries.

It is also the first year of the new format, where 48 teams replace the old 32. That means that there will now be 12 groups of four, rather than the standard eight.

Initially, the idea was to have 16 groups of three, but FIFA changed tack and returned to the four-team group format.

The Americas’ 2026 bid defeated Morocco’s to host the competition, and Mexico become the first nation to have hosted the World Cup three times, following 1970 and 1986.

Argentina are the reigning world champions after their dramatic penalty win over France in Doha, Qatar back in 2022, as Lionel Messi lifted the sport’s top team honour for the very first time.

When is the World Cup 2026 draw?

The draw will take place in Washington, DC, on Friday, December 5 2025. It will kick off at 5pm BST from the Kennedy Center.

How to watch the World Cup 2026 draw

Live stream: The draw will be broadcast live on FIFA’s official YouTube channel.

Live blog: You can follow all the updates with Standard Sport’s live blog!

Who has already qualified?

The US, Canada, and Mexico automatically qualify as hosts. Mexico play the opening game of the tournament in Mexico City, and will be placed in Group A. Canada then open their campaign in Toronto and will be in Group B, while the USMNT are in Group D.

From Asia, Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Australia have all booked their places, while Jordan and Uzbekistan will make their World Cup debuts.

New Zealand have come through the Oceania qualifiers to earn their spot in the group stages.

Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay are the current South American qualifiers, while Morocco and Tunisia are the African sides that are already sure of their places.

Who could qualify next?

The European qualifying campaigns started much later than the other confederations, and as such, they are some way behind.

However, England will qualify for next year’s tournament with victory over Latvia should Serbia drop points against either Albania or Andorra.

Thomas Tuchel’s side are five wins from five in Group K, having not conceded a goal.

Norway hold a near-unassaiable six-point lead over Italy, with their goal difference 16 healthier than their counterparts after a huge 11-1 win over Moldova.

Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard and co. are also five wins from five, and are waiting on the Azzurri to play their game in hand before their qualification is confirmed.

Wales are in with a chance of either automatic or play-off qualification in Group J, lying in third place behind North Macedonia on 11 points, and tied with Belgium on 10.

The home nation’s goal difference is what is letting them down, however, although that group will go down to the final matchday.