World Cup 2026 Draw looms as Pots Take Shape
MIAMI – Teh stage is set for the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, with the composition of the pots beginning to solidify ahead of the event. This expanded tournament, featuring 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four, marks a significant shift in the competition’s format.
The draw will determine the groups, accounting for six currently unnamed placeholders – the four teams emerging from the european repechage and two from the intercontinental repechage. Host nations have already been assigned positions: Mexico (A1), Canada (B1), and the United States (D1), as per the official match schedule.
FIFA has outlined that teams from the same confederation cannot be drawn into the same group,with the exception of Europe,where four groups will contain two European teams. The FIFA playoffs, scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico, will see six nations from five confederations compete for the final two World Cup spots. UEFA will conduct a separate qualification process for the remaining four european berths.
While the complete draw procedure remains unconfirmed,it is indeed anticipated that the six playoff-qualified teams will be placed in the final pot.
The tournament format will see the top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, advance to the round of 32. From there, a knockout stage will culminate in the final on July 19. A total of 104 matches will be played over 38 days.
Mexico will host its third World Cup, having previously hosted in 1970 and 1986 - both times won by South American teams. The Azteca Stadium will host the opening match, while the final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.Canada will host matches in Toronto and Vancouver.
The draw is scheduled for 14:00 (ARG/URU/CHI), 12:00 (COL/ECU/PER) and 11:00 (MEX).
