When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw? Date, Time & How to Watch Live

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is rapidly approaching next summer as we approach the second international break of the 2025–26 Premier League and European seasons. However, first, there is the ceremonial pomp of the World Cup draw this winter.

The globe will be anxiously watching as the groups are formed and the schedule is finalized more than half a year before the first ball is kicked in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

When and where will the FIFA World Cup draw for 2026 take place?

The 2026 World Cup draw will be held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on Friday, December 5, at 12 p.m. ET.

Mexico has already been automatically assigned to Group A as the host country for the tournament’s opening match, which will take place in Mexico City on June 11. Canada has been placed in Group B and will play in game number two (in Toronto). The USMNT has been assigned to Group D and will play in game number three.

How to watch the 2026 World Cup draw

Event time: 12 pm ET
Streaming: FIFA’s YouTube channel
Venue: Kennedy Center — Washington, D.C.

What is the structure of the groups and how many teams will make it to this World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup will include 48 teams for the first time ever. FIFA subsequently reverted to the four-team group system, which now consists of 12 groups instead of the traditional eight, after initially planning to have 16 groups with just three teams.