With the list of competing teams almost wrapped up, it’s time to switch our attention to the draw for the 2026 World Cup group stage.
Next summer’s showpiece event will feature a record 48 teams from across the globe fighting it out for glory in the United States, Canada and Mexico, including plenty of heavy-hitters and some new faces looking to shake up the competition.
The standard qualification campaigns are complete and 42 of those spots have been handed out, but six teams are still to book their tickets via various second chance playoffs.
Representatives of each of those teams will be watching closely on Friday when FIFA hosts the draw for next summer’s group stage.
What Time Is the 2026 World Cup Draw?
The group stage is ever so close now. All 12 groups will be randomly drawn on Friday, Dec. 5 at 12 p.m. ET (9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. GMT), with each group containing four nations—one from each of the four pots.
The three co-hosts already know which group they are in for the tournament, with Mexico residing in Group A, Canada in Group B and the USMNT in Group D. However, they will discover their three group stage opponents on Friday.
The World Cup itself will be played from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
How Long is the World Cup Draw?
There’s no specific timeframe for how long the draw will take—but if past draws for events like the Champions League are anything to go by, it’s likely to be a couple of hours at least.
Factor in that President Donald Trump will speak on stage after he receives the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize and it’s safe to assume that we won’t be blitzing through and finding out who is playing who at a particularly quick pace.
Where Is the 2026 World Cup Draw?
The 2026 World Cup draw was rumored to be heading to Las Vegas to make up for the fact that no matches at the tournament will be played there, but it has since been confirmed that it will be staged at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
However, FIFA’s use of the Kennedy Center has caused controversy and even led to a Senate inquiry. This is down the the fact that soccer’s governing body is renting the venue for free, although there have been unsubstantiated claims from those who run the Kennedy Center that FIFA have made a considerable multi-million dollar donation and provided valuable sponsorship opportunities.
How to Watch the 2026 World Cup Draw on TV, Live Stream
Audiences across the globe will be able to tune into Friday’s eagerly-anticipated draw live on FIFA.com and FIFA’s official YouTube channel.
However, those in the United States can also witness the draw via FOX, while those in the United Kingdom can tune in on BBC and BBC iPlayer.
Who Are the Presenters for the 2026 World Cup Draw?
A whole host of the world’s biggest names are primed for appearances at the World Cup draw, which will be conducted by Manchester United and England legend Rio Ferdinand. The former center back will be assisted by broadcaster Samantha Johnson.
Helping out with proceedings will be a Who’s Who of North American sports. Wayne Gretzky, the NHL’s all-time points leader, will help with the draw alongside seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, seven-time MLB All-Star Aaron Judge and four-time NBA champion, Shaquille O’Neal.
2026 World Cup Schedule
| Stage | Dates |
|---|---|
| Group Stage | June 11–June 27 |
| Round of 32 | June 28–July 3 |
| Round of 16 | July 4–July 7 |
| Quarterfinals | July 9–July 11 |
| Semifinals | July 14–July 15 |
| Third Place Playoff | July 18 |
| Final | July 19 |
READ THE LATEST WORLD CUP NEWS, PREVIEWS & ANALYSIS HERE
This article was originally published on www.si.com as What Time Is the 2026 World Cup Draw?.
