2026 World Cup – Live draw: Several football stars like Gabriel Batistuta have arrived in Washington

2026 World Cup Draw Set to Begin in Washington D.C.

WASHINGTON D.C.- Footballing legends and anticipation fill the air in Washington ⁤D.C. as the draw for ⁤the 2026 World Cup⁤ is set to ⁤commence at‌ 6 p.m. (French time) this Friday. Among those present for the landmark event⁣ is Argentine icon ‍Gabriel Batistuta, adding⁢ to the excitement as ​48 nations prepare to learn thier paths ​to the‌ expanded tournament.

The draw will determine ⁢the groups for the first World Cup to ‌feature 48 teams,a notable expansion from⁢ the conventional 32-team format. ⁣While 32 countries have already ‍qualified, six additional teams will earn ‌their spots through play-offs in March. The event marks⁢ a pivotal moment for nations vying for a place in the tournament, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Argentina, the reigning world ⁢champion, will be placed in⁤ pot 1 alongside France, Brazil, Germany, ⁣England, and Spain. Pot 2 features strong contenders including Senegal, Uruguay, Colombia, ⁤Croatia – finalists in 2018 and semi-finalists in 2022 – and Morocco. Norway, led by‌ Erling Haaland, and ⁣Algeria are positioned‍ in Pot 3, representing potential challenges for teams drawn⁤ against them.

Fans can follow the draw live on ​Eurosport as the tournament’s landscape begins to ​take⁣ shape.