Football fans across the globe are set for a major event this Friday as the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place. The ceremony will determine the initial group stage landscape for the historic 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
When and Where is the 2026 World Cup Draw?
The draw ceremony is scheduled for Friday, 5th December 2025. It will be held at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the event is set to begin at 5pm UK time.
This draw is particularly significant as it will feature 42 of the 48 finalists, with the remaining six spots to be decided through play-offs scheduled for March 2026. The home nations have varied paths confirmed, with England and Scotland already securing their places.
New Format and Seeding System Explained
The 2026 tournament marks a dramatic expansion from the traditional 32-team format to 48 participating nations. This has introduced several new structural elements, including a fresh approach to seeding the top teams.
A Wimbledon-style seeding system will be applied to the four highest-ranked sides: Spain, Argentina, France, and England. This innovative measure guarantees these football powerhouses will be kept in separate sections of the draw, meaning they cannot face each other until at least the semi-final stage, assuming each wins their group.
England find themselves in Pot One as a top seed, but they face a potentially tough draw. Pot Two contains formidable opponents like 2022 semi-finalists Morocco and Croatia. Furthermore, groups will be limited to a maximum of two European teams to ensure geographical diversity.
Scotland, celebrating their first World Cup finals appearance since 1998, are placed in Pot Three. This means they could be drawn against any of the top seeds, including a potential group-stage clash with rivals England. They also face the possibility of meeting a strong Norway side boasting several Premier League stars.
Home Nations' Hopes and Ticket Sales Update
The fortunes of the other home nations remain undecided. Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and Wales are all currently in Pot Four, reflecting their lower seeding, and must navigate the play-offs in March. Notably, Northern Ireland and Wales are in the same play-off path, competing for a single spot at the finals.
Interest in the tournament is already immense. FIFA has reported that almost two million tickets have been sold in early sales phases. The next sales window will open for fans on Wednesday, 11th December 2025.
The pricing strategy for tickets employs a variable model, a common practice in North American sports but one that may prove less popular with European supporters accustomed to different structures. This approach sees prices fluctuate based on demand and the specific match.
Friday's draw in Washington D.C. will finally provide shape to the biggest football tournament ever staged, setting the stage for a summer of drama across North America in 2026.
