The FIFA World Cup 2026 draw is one of the most anticipated events in international football, determining which teams will face each other in the group stage and shaping the entire tournament landscape. Taking place on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the draw will reveal the 12 groups and set the stage for the first 48-team World Cup in history.
Whether you’re planning to watch, analyzing group dynamics, or preparing for World Cup 2026 betting predictions, ibet brings you everything you need to know about the draw event, how it works, and where to watch it across Europe.
When Is the World Cup 2026 Draw? (Date & Times Across Europe)
The World Cup 2026 draw takes place on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Here are the exact kick-off times for viewers across different regions:
Start Times by Region:
- 12:00 PM EST – Washington, D.C. / New York (local time)
- 09:00 AM PST – US West Coast
- 17:00 GMT – United Kingdom
- 18:00 CET – France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Norway, Sweden and most of Central Europe
- 19:00 EET – Finland, Greece, Baltic states, and parts of Eastern Europe
Plan accordingly: if you’re in the UK, the draw begins at 5:00 PM. Central European viewers should tune in at 6:00 PM. The ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours, with the final groups confirmed by the time it concludes.
The Kennedy Center’s iconic setting adds prestige to the event, hosting the draw in one of Washington’s most recognizable venues. This is the moment when the tournament bracket is set, group stage matchups are determined, and the path to the final begins to take shape.
The World Cup 2026 Draw Pots & Seeding Explained
The draw uses a ranking-based seeding system across four pots of 12 teams each. Teams are placed by FIFA World Ranking of qualified nations, with special positions reserved for the three host countries (Mexico, Canada, USA).
Six additional spots are held for playoff winners to be confirmed in March 2026. Knowing how the draw works will help you take advantage of the World Cup 2026 odds when there is still value.
Pot 1: Seeded Teams (12 teams)
Host Nations (Pre-assigned Group Positions):
- Mexico – Group A, Position 1
- Canada – Group B, Position 1
- USA – Group D, Position 1
Top 9 Ranked Qualified Nations:
- Spain (FIFA Rank 1)
- Argentina (FIFA Rank 2)
- France (FIFA Rank 3)
- England (FIFA Rank 4)
- Brazil
- Portugal
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- Germany
These are the tournament favorites and strongest teams based on FIFA World Ranking and recent international performance. The three hosts are automatically placed in Groups A, B, and D respectively, with the remaining nine Pot 1 teams distributed across Groups C, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, and L.
Pot 2: Second-Tier Teams (12 teams)
- Croatia
- Morocco
- Colombia
- Uruguay
- Switzerland
- Japan
- Senegal
- Iran
- South Korea
- Ecuador
- Austria
- Australia
These teams represent strong competitors with proven tournament experience but ranked slightly below the Pot 1 favorites. One Pot 2 team will be drawn into each group.
Pot 3: Mid-Ranked Qualified Nations (12 teams)
- Norway
- Panama
- Egypt
- Algeria
- Scotland
- Paraguay
- Tunisia
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Uzbekistan
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
Teams in this pot have qualified but are ranked lower in FIFA standings. Like Pots 1 and 2, exactly one Pot 3 team will be drawn into each group.
Pot 4: Lowest Ranked + Playoff Winners (12 teams)
Confirmed Teams:
- Jordan (historic first World Cup qualification)
- Cape Verde (historic first World Cup qualification)
- Ghana
- Curaçao
- Haiti
- New Zealand
Playoff Placeholder Spots:
- 4 UEFA playoff winners (to be determined March 26-31, 2026)
- 2 inter-confederation playoff winners (to be determined March 26-31, 2026)
Important Note: Italy, despite being ranked 12 globally, would enter Pot 4 if they qualify through the UEFA playoffs, as all playoff winners and, regardless of FIFA ranking, will be placed in Pot 4 for the group draw.
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How the New 48-Team World Cup Draw Format Works
The World Cup 2026 introduces several new rules and dynamics to accommodate 48 teams and ensure competitive balance. Here’s how the draw works and what’s changed from previous tournaments.
Group Stage Structure
- 12 groups (Groups A through L) with 4 teams each
- One team from each pot in every group = 48 teams distributed evenly
Example: Group A will contain Mexico (Pot 1), one team from Pot 2, one team from Pot 3, and one team from Pot 4
This ensures balanced, competitive groups across the tournament.
Key Draw Rules
Confederation Restrictions:
- No more than 2 UEFA (European) teams per group – With 16 European teams across 12 groups, UEFA teams are spread to avoid cluster matchups
- No two teams from the same non-UEFA confederation in one group – For example, Brazil and Argentina cannot be grouped together; African nations are separated; Asian teams do not share gr\oups
These rules ensure geographic and competitive diversity in each group.
Pre-Assigned Group Positions:
Unlike previous World Cups where teams drew random group positions, the 2026 draw features pre-determined group slots. Each group has fixed positions (1, 2, 3, 4), and teams from each pot fill specific positions. This ensures that:
- Position 1 teams play Position 4 first
- Position 2 teams play Position 3 first
- Match order is balanced across all groups
- Fairness is maintained (no team has a scheduling advantage)
The New Top-4 Separation Rule: World Cup 2026 Draw Innovation
FIFA has introduced a groundbreaking rule to separate the tournament’s top four seeds in the knockout bracket, preventing early blockbuster matchups:
- Spain (Rank 1) and Argentina (Rank 2) are placed in opposite halves of the knockout bracket
- France (Rank 3) and England (Rank 4) are placed in opposite halves of the knockout bracket
- Result: These four favorites cannot meet before the semi-finals, even if they win their groups
This system mirrors tennis-style seeding, where top seeds are separated to ensure fresh matchups and maximize the tournament’s competitive balance. The change means that if Spain, Argentina, France, and England all win their groups, they cannot face each other until the semi-finals—the earliest possible meeting point.
Why This Format Matters
The 48-team expansion with these new rules prioritizes:
- Competitive balance – Preventing early eliminations of major teams
- Tournament diversity – Ensuring varied group matchups and knockout pathways
- Global representation – Giving emerging nations realistic chances to progress
- Betting intrigue – Creating uncertainty in group outcomes and knockout predictions
How to Watch the World Cup 2026 Draw in Europe
The World Cup 2026 draw will be broadcast live across multiple platforms and channels throughout Europe. Here’s where to watch depending on your location:
Global Streaming (Available Everywhere)
The draw will be available worldwide on:
- FIFA+ – FIFA’s official streaming platform (free tier available)
- FIFA.com – Official live stream on FIFA’s website
- FIFA Official YouTube Channel – Free live broadcast globally
These platforms offer simultaneous coverage and are accessible across all European countries.
United Kingdom
- BBC Sport website – Live stream
- BBC iPlayer – Official streaming app (free with valid TV license)
- ITV – Shared broadcast rights (check local ITV schedule)
BBC Sport and iPlayer are your primary options for UK viewers; expect professional analysis and commentary throughout the draw.
Germany
- MagentaTV – Primary rights-holder with full coverage
- ARD (Das Erste) – National broadcaster with draw coverage
- ZDF – Secondary public broadcaster (check local schedule)
German viewers have multiple options; MagentaTV offers comprehensive pre-draw and post-draw analysis.
France
- TF1 – Primary rights-holder
- L’Équipe – Sports broadcaster with coverage
TF1 is the main channel; expect live coverage with French commentary.
Italy
- RAI – National free-to-air broadcaster (Italy’s primary FIFA rights-holder)
RAI will carry the draw live for Italian audiences.
Spain
- TVE (RTVE) – Spanish national broadcaster with FIFA rights
- La 1 – Primary channel for draw coverage
TVE/La 1 is your main viewing option in Spain.
Nordic Region
- Viaplay – Primary streaming platform across Nordic countries
- National PSBs (SVT in Sweden, NRK in Norway, DR/TV2 in Denmark, YLE in Finland) – May also carry coverage
Check your local broadcaster’s schedule; Viaplay is the primary sports streaming platform across the Nordics.
All Viewers: Check your local FIFA broadcast partner’s website for exact air times, as some channels may have slight scheduling variations.
What Happens After the World Cup 2026 Draw? (Match Schedule & Timeline)
The draw on December 5 is just the beginning. Here’s the timeline for what happens next:
Immediate Timeline:
- December 5, 2025 (Draw Day) – Groups A-L are officially confirmed; preliminary group stage bracket published within approximately 24 hours
- December 6, 2025 (Saturday) – FIFA releases the initial match schedule framework with estimated kick-off times for each group matchday and all 104 group-stage matches assigned to preliminary venues
- Days following the draw – Full detailed schedule released with specific stadium assignments and local kick-off times for every match
What’s Dependent on Playoff Results
The match schedule is provisional until all 48 qualified teams are confirmed. Since four UEFA playoff winners and two inter-confederation playoff winners won’t be known until March 2026, FIFA releases a final schedule after the playoffs conclude.
Key Tournament Dates to Remember:
- Group Stage Begins: June 11, 2026
- Group Stage Ends: July 1, 2026
- Knockout Round of 32: June 28 – July 3, 2026
- Round of 16: July 4 – July 7, 2026
- Quarter-Finals: July 9 – July 11, 2026
- Semi-Finals: July 14 – July 15, 2026
- Third-Place Match: July 18, 2026
- Final: July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
The tournament spans over five weeks with a total of 104 matches (compared to 64 in the previous tournament), giving teams more group-stage matches and creating more opportunities for surprising results and comebacks.
For detailed analysis of group predictions, odds on group winners, and betting insights on the tournament favorites, explore our World Cup 2026 Betting Guide and our World Cup 2026 Odds Betting Preview. You can also visit ibet’s sportsbook to check out the latest WC 2026 odds available.
World Cup 2026 Draw FAQs
What time does the World Cup 2026 draw start in the UK?
The draw begins at 17:00 GMT (5:00 PM UK time) on Friday, December 5, 2025. You can watch live on BBC Sport, BBC iPlayer, or FIFA+ with simultaneous coverage.
How can I watch the World Cup 2026 draw in Germany?
German viewers can watch on MagentaTV (primary rights-holder), ARD, or ZDF. All three platforms will carry the draw live. FIFA+ and YouTube also offer free global streaming.
What are the World Cup 2026 draw pots?
The draw uses four pots of 12 teams each, seeded by FIFA World Ranking. Pot 1 includes the host nations and top 9 ranked teams (Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany). Pots 2, 3, and 4 contain progressively lower-ranked teams, with Pot 4 including playoff winners to be confirmed in March.
How many teams are in each World Cup 2026 group?
Each of the 12 groups contains exactly 4 teams. One team is drawn from each pot into every group, ensuring balanced and competitive matchups across all groups.
What is the new top-4 separation rule in the 2026 World Cup draw?
FIFA has implemented a rule where Spain (1) and Argentina (2) are placed in opposite halves of the knockout bracket, as are France (3) and England (4). This means these four favorites cannot meet before the semi-finals, even if they win their groups. It’s similar to tennis seeding and creates more balanced knockout pathways.
Can two teams from the same confederation be drawn in the same group?
Yes, but only UEFA has a maximum of 2 teams per group. No other confederation can have 2 teams in the same group. For example, Brazil and Argentina cannot be grouped together; African nations, Asian teams, and CONCACAF teams are similarly separated.
When will the full World Cup 2026 match schedule be released?
A provisional schedule will be published on December 6, 2025 (day after the draw), outlining all group-stage matches with estimated kick-off times. The final, confirmed schedule, including specific stadium assignments and updated times after playoff winners are confirmed, will be released after the UEFA and inter-confederation playoffs conclude in March 2026.
When does the World Cup 2026 group stage start?
The group stage kicks off on June 11, 2026, and runs through July 1, 2026. The knockout stage begins on June 28, 2026, with the final taking place on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
How many matches will there be in the World Cup 2026?
The 48-team format produces 104 total matches (compared to 64 in previous tournaments). This includes 72 group-stage matches and 32 knockout-stage matches, giving teams more opportunities to compete and create dramatic storylines.
Where can I bet on World Cup 2026 predictions after the draw?
Visit our World Cup 2026 Odds Betting Preview for current odds on tournament favorites, group winners, and detailed analysis of betting opportunities based on the draw groups. Check ibet for live odds on all World Cup 2026 betting markets.
All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and may have moved since the content was published. Betting markets shift constantly based on action and betting news. For the latest odds and current lines, visit the ibet Sportsbook.
