FIFA to Ensure Top Seeds Avoid Each Other in 2026 World Cup Draw
Zurich, Switzerland - FIFA will implement measures to keep top-seeded nations from the same confederation apart during the draw for the 2026 World Cup, officials announced today. The draw, which will determine the groups for the expanded 48-team tournament, will prioritize competitive balance and logistical considerations.
The 12 groups will each contain one team from each of the four pots. The draw process will begin with teams from pot one. Co-hosts Mexico (A1), Canada (B1), and the United States (D1) will be uniquely identified with coloured balls displaying their flags, guaranteeing they play all group stage matches within their respective countries. Teams will be assigned to the first available group in alphabetical order,with the draw computer ensuring Spain,Argentina,France,and England are placed in the correct bracket sections.
The draw will then proceed with pot two, pot three, and finally pot four. A departure from previous procedures, countries will not be drawn into specific group positions. Instead, seeded teams will automatically occupy position one within their group, while a pre-persistent random grid will dictate the placement of all other nations to establish the full fixture list.
To maintain competitive integrity, no group will feature more than one team from the same confederation.For example, Colombia, drawn from pot two, will not be placed in a group with Argentina or Brazil. This restriction applies to all pots, with the exception that four groups will include two European nations due to the presence of 16 European qualifiers for 12 groups.
Teams emerging from the inter-confederation play-offs will also face specific restrictions. Teams from Pathway 1 (New Caledonia,jamaica,DR Congo) cannot be drawn into a group with nations from Concacaf or Africa. Those from Pathway 2 (Bolivia, Suriname, Iraq) must avoid groups containing teams from South America, Concacaf, and Asia.
While the match schedule – dates and order of play – will be finalized during the draw, venues and kick-off times will not be confirmed until Saturday, December 6.
