The waiting is almost over. The draw for the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico takes place today, mapping out the initial path for nations dreaming of global glory. Staged at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the ceremony will sort the qualified teams into 12 groups of four, officially kicking off the countdown to next summer’s massive tournament.
The event is scheduled to start at 12 p.m. ET (9 a.m. PT, 5 p.m. GMT). U.S. President Donald Trump will be in attendance for the proceedings. This draw sets the stage for the biggest World Cup in the sport’s history.
A New Era: How the 48-Team Draw Works
This isn’t your typical World Cup format. For the first time, 48 teams will compete, a significant jump from the 32-team structure used since 1998. This expansion changes everything. The tournament now features 12 groups of four teams. The top two finishers in each group will advance automatically to a newly created Round of 32. They will be joined by the eight best third-place teams, determined first by points, then goal difference, and finally goals scored.
The road to the final is now longer. A team will have to navigate eight matches, rather than the previous seven, to lift the trophy. The teams have been divided into four pots based on their FIFA rankings. The three host nations—the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—are automatically placed in Pot 1 alongside the world’s highest-ranked sides like holders Argentina and top-ranked Spain. Standard draw rules apply: teams from the same confederation cannot be drawn into the same group, with the exception of Europe, which can have a maximum of two teams per group.
- Pot 1 Includes: Argentina (Holders), Spain (Top-ranked), USA, Canada, Mexico (Hosts), England, France.
- Playoffs Remain: Six spots are still undecided and will be filled in March through UEFA and FIFA Confederation playoffs. Four-time winners Italy are among those still fighting for a place.
- Tough Outsiders: Pot 3 contains dangerous teams like Erling Haaland’s Norway and Mohamed Salah’s Egypt, promising some difficult group-stage matchups.
Spotlight on a Debutant: The Cape Verde Story
Among the giants of world football, new stories are always waiting to be written. Meet Cape Verde, the second-smallest nation ever to reach a World Cup. Their qualification is a monumental achievement for the country, but they are not attending just to make up the numbers. This is a team defined by a fearless approach to the game. For them, success isn’t just about advancing; it’s about playing to their full potential and giving every opponent a tough fight.
A central figure in their journey is Logan Costa. The 24-year-old Villarreal center-back is composed on the ball with an excellent passing range. After a breakout season with Toulouse, he was one of the most impressive defenders at the Africa Cup of Nations. His rise was cruelly halted by an ACL injury last year, but in a show of incredible dedication, he traveled on crutches to be with his teammates as they secured their historic World Cup berth. With a massive Cape Verdean community in the United States, many of their matches could feel like home games. A potential matchup against Portugal, the country they were once colonized by, would bring up a complex mix of emotions.
Pageantry, Politics, and a Controversial Prize
The draw is more than just pulling balls from pots; it’s a spectacle. The ceremony boasts a world-class entertainment lineup co-hosted by Heidi Klum, Kevin Hart, and Danny Ramirez. Musical performances will feature Andrea Bocelli and a duet between Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger. Adding a unique political layer, FIFA announced a performance by the Village People, whose song “Y.M.C.A.” became an anthem at Donald Trump’s political rallies.
The event will also see the debut of a new FIFA Peace Prize. FIFA president Gianni Infantino stated the award will recognize the efforts of those who unite people.
“In an increasingly unsettled and divided world, it’s fundamental to recognise the outstanding contribution of those who work hard to end conflicts and bring people together in a spirit of peace.”
The recipient has not been officially named, but the prize is widely expected to be awarded to President Trump. According to reports from The Athletic, FIFA did not consult its own council or vice presidents before creating the prize or its selection criteria, adding a layer of controversy to the proceedings.