The FIFA World Cup 2026 final draw occurs today, Friday, December 5, 2025, at 12 PM ET (5 PM GMT, 10:30 PM IST) at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
This event sets
the group stage for the expanded 48-team tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, starting June 11, 2026, and ending July 19.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw Format and Pots
The 48 teams are divided into four pots of 12, based on the FIFA Rankings from November 19, 2025, with each of the 12 groups (A-L) drawing one team per pot. Hosts United States, Canada, and Mexico occupy Pot 1 and are pre-assigned: Mexico to Group A (opening match in Mexico City), Canada to Group B (Toronto), and USA to Group D. The process starts with Pot 1 seeds, followed by Pots 2-4 alphabetically per group, ensuring no same-pot matchups in the group stage.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw Explained: Pots, Seedings, Playoff Teams - All You Need To Know
Teams and Qualification Status
FIFA will stream the draw live on its platforms worldwide, with broadcasts on networks like ESPN in the USA. The live streaming of the Draw event will be available via FIFA YouTube channel from 10:30 pm IST in India. There will be no telecast in India.
When will FIFA World Cup Draw start around the World?
| Country | Local Time |
|---|---|
| UK (GMT) | 5:00 PM |
| USA (ET/PT) | 12:30 PM/ 9:30 AM |
| Spain (CET) | 6:00 PM |
| Australia (AEDT, Sydney) | 4:00 AM, Dec 6 |
| Mexico (CST) | 11:30 AM |
| Argentina (ART) | 1:30 PM |
| France (CET) | 6:00 PM |
| Nigeria (WAT) | 5:30 PM |
| Brazil (BRT) | 1:30 PM |
| Canada (EST) | 12:30 PM |
| South Africa (SAST) | 6:00 PM |
| Uruguay (UYT) | 1:30 PM |
| Bangladesh (BST) | 11:00 PM |
| Pakistan (PKT) | 9:30 PM |
| Saudi Arabia (AST) | 7:00 PM |
| UAE (GST) | 8:00 PM |
| Egypt (EET) | 6:30 PM |
