Las Vegas is set to host the 2026 Fifa World Cup draw on 5 December, according to multiple reports, marking the second time the Nevada city will stage the tournament’s group-stage ceremony. But despite widespread speculation, the Sphere will not be hosting the event due to a scheduling conflict.
Sources told ESPN that Las Vegas was chosen over candidate cities in Canada and Mexico, though Fifa has not yet confirmed either the date or location. The draw will assign the 48 participating nations into 12 groups of four, reflecting the first time the men’s tournament will feature an expanded 48-team field and span three host countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Las Vegas previously hosted the World Cup draw in 1994, the last time the tournament was held in the United States. That year’s ceremony was staged at the Las Vegas Convention Center, a venue that is unavailable this time around. Allegiant Stadium, home to the NFL’s Raiders, was also passed over as a World Cup match site during the host city selection process.
The 11 US cities selected for 2026 are divided into three geographic regions. New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston, Miami and Atlanta comprise the East; Kansas City, Dallas and Houston make up the Central region; and Los Angeles, Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area represent the West. Mexico’s venues include Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City, while Toronto and Vancouver will host matches in Canada.
Mexico, Canada and the United States have already been placed in Groups A, B and D respectively. The tournament will conclude on 19 July 2026, with the final set to be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
While early reports pointed to the Sphere – a state-of-the-art, 17,500-seat venue boasting a 54,000-square-meter wraparound LED screen – as the frontrunner to host the draw, sources close to the venue confirmed to the Guardian it is unavailable due to a previously scheduled concert. That, along with the Convention Center being booked, leaves the final venue for the draw still unannounced.
Pedro Cedillo, a Pachuca executive involved in World Cup preparations, told ESPN: “I understand it will be in Las Vegas, and that’s where we need to be present.”
Fifa has yet to comment on the venue or timing of the event.
