2026 World Cup Draw Date Set for Global Tournament

Preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are advancing as the tournament, to be hosted across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, approaches. The event will be the first to feature 48 teams, marking a significant expansion from the previous format. The draw, which determines the initial group stage matchups, is a key procedural step ahead of the competition’s opening.

Main News

The official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has not yet been scheduled. FIFA has confirmed the tournament will begin on June 11, 2026, and conclude with the final on July 19, 2026.

The draw ceremony will take place after the qualification process is completed. This ensures all 48 participating nations are known before the groups are formed.

The 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of four teams each for the initial stage of the tournament.

Summary

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first to include 48 national teams. The event is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19 across 16 host cities in North America.

A major milestone before the tournament is the official group stage draw. This ceremony cannot be held until after all qualifying matches worldwide have concluded.

Once the 48 qualifiers are confirmed, they will be drawn into 12 separate groups of four teams. The date and location for this draw remain to be announced by FIFA.

FAQs

**When will the 2026 World Cup draw happen?**
A specific date has not been set. FIFA will schedule the draw after the qualification process is fully complete to ensure all 48 participating teams are confirmed.

How many teams will be in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 tournament will feature 48 teams. This is an expansion from the 32-team format used in previous editions.

Where will the 2026 World Cup be played?
Matches will be hosted in 16 cities across three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This is the first World Cup to be hosted by three nations.