The latest information on the World Cup 2026 draw, including the date, what to expect in terms of teams and pots, and how to watch.The World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most significant tournaments in football history. With an expanded 48-team format and matches spread across multiple host countries, the world will be watching to see who will lift the trophy.The qualification race is well underway, and even though the tournament is over a year away, some teams have already secured their spot as the USA, Mexico, and Canada ready themselves to jointly host the games.As teams continue to focus on the tournament, attention is also shifting to the World Cup draw and who they might face.Here, GOAL takes a look at comprehensive information regarding the World Cup 2026 draw, including details on its timing, location, and how to watch it.Getty ImagesThe President of the United States, Donald Trump, met with Gianni Infantino, where he confirmed the date and location of the World Cup draw.Earlier speculation had pointed to Las Vegas (especially The Sphere), but those reports have been overtaken by the White House announcement confirming the final draw will take place at the iconic John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.The World Cup 2026 draw will kick-off at 9 am PT / 12 pm ET on Thursday, December 5, 2025.The World Cup 2026 draw will be available to watch and stream live online worldwide on FIFA's official website, FIFA's YouTube channel, and through select international broadcasters.There is expected to be further coverage via social media platforms and digital services across all major regions.The draw for the first-ever 48-team World Cup will utilise four pots, each containing 12 teams.Pot 1 will consist of the three host nations—the USA, Canada and Mexico—who will be pre-assigned to Groups D1, B1 and A1, respectively, as per the match schedule released last year. Additionally, Pot 1 will include the top nine FIFA-ranked teams.Pots 2 through 4 will comprise the next 36 qualified teams based on their FIFA rankings. These pots will also include placeholders for the six teams whose qualification is yet to be confirmed.By the time of the draw, 42 of the 48 participating teams will be known. The remaining six berths will be determined through play-off matches scheduled for March 2026.The World Cup 2026 will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The opening match is scheduled for June 11, 2026, at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca. The final will be held on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Greater New York area).