FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw: December 2025 in Las Vegas – Everything You Need to Know
The excitement is building: the final draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026—which will assign the 48 qualified nations into 12 groups of four—is set to take place in Las Vegas, United States, on Friday, December 5, 2025. Here’s your complete guide to date, venue, format, and broadcast details.
Key Details
| Topic | Info |
|---|---|
| Confirmed Date | December 5, 2025 (Friday) |
| Location | Las Vegas, USA – Not a match host city during the tournament, chosen specifically for draw prestige |
| Official Confirmation | FIFA has not yet formally confirmed, but multiple reliable sources report the date and venue |
What Happens at the Draw?
- 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of four each.
- Hosts Mexico, Canada, and USA are pre-assigned to Groups A, B, and D respectively, to ensure home matches in their countries.
- Group compositions will respect confederation-based rules: no more than two UEFA nations per group, and other confederations separated where possible.
Because the inter-confederation playoff qualifiers conclude in March 2026, FIFA will make the draw in December to avoid delaying key logistics.
Ticket Info & Broadcast
- How to Watch: The event will likely be streamed live on FIFA.com and FIFA+, with possible TV broadcast in key markets. Expect commentary and draw insights similar to previous editions.
- Ticketing: Though not typically ticketed, interested fans should watch for updates via FIFA’s platforms.
Tournament Timeline – Leading to Final
- Tournament Dates: June 11 – July 19, 2026.
- Opening Match: June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
- Final: July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey near New York City.
Format & Structure
- Expanded Format: 48 teams, 104 matches, across North America (USA 11 host cities; Canada and Mexico share 2 and 3 cities respectively).
- Group Stage: 12 groups of four; top two teams plus the eight best third-placed teams advance to a round of 32.
- Knockout Rounds: Round of 32 → Round of 16 → Quarter-finals (July 9–11) → Semi-finals (July 14–15) → Third-place play-off (July 18) → Final (July 19).
Why It Matters
- The December draw marks a milestone as the first World Cup with 48 teams and first major draw held in Las Vegas since 1994.
- Pre-setting host seeds ensures host nation stadium logistics and fan access are streamlined.
- Drawing in December provides ample time for global logistics—travel, venue scheduling, and broadcasting planning—since all participants except inter-confederation playoff winners will be known .
Final Takeaway
Get ready for Friday, December 5, 2025, when FIFA is expected to unveil the full group lineup for World Cup 2026 in Las Vegas. With 48 teams, expanded knockout brackets, and three host nations, this draw will set the stage for the most ambitious, widely anticipated World Cup in history
