The groups for the 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026™, the biggest single-sport event in history, will be revealed on Friday, 5 December 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The event marks a major milestone on the road to the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The announcement was made jointly at the White House by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who also serves as Chairman of the Kennedy Center, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
A Historic Venue for a Global Occasion
The Kennedy Center, America’s national cultural center and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, attracts millions of visitors annually to its 2,000+ performances, exhibitions, and events. This December, it will take on a new dimension, with the FIFA World Cup Trophy displayed on stage as the world learns the group-stage matchups.
Delegates from all qualified teams, FIFA officials, ambassadors, representatives from the 16 Host Cities, and international media will gather for the draw, which will be broadcast globally.
Details of the Final Draw
-
Date: Friday, 5 December 2025
-
Time: 12:00 local time (18:00 CET)
-
Venue: The Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.
-
Broadcast: FIFA Media Partners across the world
Teams representing the three host nations will be placed directly into the draw:
-
Mexico into Group A (A1)
-
Canada into Group B (B1)
-
United States into Group D (D1)
By the time of the draw, 42 of the 48 teams will already be confirmed. The remaining six berths will be filled in March 2026 through FIFA’s new intercontinental play-off tournament, featuring six nations from five confederations.
Fan Engagement: Lottery for Host City Supporters
For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, fans from each of the 16 Host Cities will have a chance to attend the draw in person. FIFA will hold a special lottery, offering complimentary admission and a VIP experience at the Kennedy Center. A select number of seats will be allocated to each Host City, with full lottery details to be announced soon.
Statements from FIFA Leadership
FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the importance of the event:
“We are excited to host the most anticipated Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup in history in the cultural and entertainment heart of the United States, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. The draw is a major tournament milestone and one that will continue the remarkable build-up to the biggest sporting event ever.”
He added that the event will bring together team delegations, partners, media, and fans from all 16 Host Cities, further showcasing the unique scale of FIFA World Cup 26™.
Road to Kick-Off
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will officially begin on 11 June 2026 at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, with the final scheduled for 19 July 2026 at New York New Jersey Stadium. Key milestones leading up to the tournament include:
-
March 2026: FIFA Play-Off Tournament for the final six World Cup spots, hosted in North America.
-
30 April 2026: The 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada.
-
11 June 2026: Tournament opener in Mexico City.
Qualified Nations So Far
Alongside hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States, ten nations have already secured their places:
-
Argentina (defending champions)
-
Australia
-
Brazil
-
Ecuador
-
IR Iran
-
Japan
-
Jordan (World Cup debut)
-
Korea Republic
-
New Zealand
-
Uzbekistan (World Cup debut)
With expanded slots, this will be the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams, emphasizing inclusivity and global participation.
Conclusion
The Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Washington, D.C. will not only determine the group-stage path for 48 national teams but also stand as a symbolic celebration of culture, sport, and unity. With millions of fans expected to tune in worldwide, the Kennedy Center event will be remembered as a landmark moment on the journey to the biggest World Cup ever staged.