FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, Arsene Wenger, has vowed that the 2026 World Cup will be "the greatest show on earth," as the highly anticipated tournament draw gets underway in Washington DC. However, decisions around match scheduling could see pubs and clubs across the United Kingdom lose millions in revenue.
The Draw Details and Format
The World Cup 2026 draw is a two-day event, starting from 5pm UK time on Friday. While nations, including England and Scotland, will learn their Group opponents on Friday, the full match schedule, dates, and venues will be revealed in a separate glitzy event on Saturday from 6pm UK time. This staggered approach is to cope with the complex logistics of the expanded 48-team tournament.
England, as a top seed in Pot 1, cannot be drawn against fellow top seeds France, Spain, or Argentina until the semi-finals, nor against host nations the USA, Canada, or Mexico in the group stage. The draw will employ a tennis-style seeding system to keep the top four teams apart until the last four.
Kick-Off Times Spark Concern for UK Fans and Businesses
A major point of contention is the scheduling of matches for European audiences. England manager Thomas Tuchel has already stated a preference for later kick-offs to avoid the sweltering North American summer heat, even if it means games starting in the early hours UK time.
This stance, mirroring player welfare concerns raised at last summer's Club World Cup, could cost UK pubs and clubs millions in lost revenues if key matches kick off well past midnight. FIFA has listened to heat concerns and will utilise several indoor, air-conditioned stadiums in cities like Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Dallas.
Political Spotlight and Tournament Logistics
The draw will feature US President Donald Trump, who is expected to seek a formal address and centre stage. The event will be co-hosted by former England defender Rio Ferdinand and broadcaster Samantha Johnson.
For the home nations, Wales and Northern Ireland are still hoping to qualify via the play-offs and have been asked to attend. Scotland are confirmed in Pot 3. England's ideal scenario would be a draw into Group J, which could allow them to play two matches in Kansas City, the location of their preferred training base.
Teams must submit their preferred training base options by January 10, with England planning to use Inter Miami's facilities in Florida for warm-up games. The tournament itself begins on June 11, 2026, culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on July 19 with a 3pm local (8pm UK) kick-off.
