2026 World Cup Draw: Seeding, Qualifiers & Key Teams

The countdown to football's greatest spectacle is intensifying as the 2026 World Cup prepares to welcome 48 teams for the first time in history. With the all-important draw just weeks away, excitement is building across the globe as nations finalize their qualifications and prepare for the expanded tournament. Let's break down everything you need to know about this historic edition.

When and Where the Draw Happens

The draw for the 2026 World Cup will take place on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the prestigious Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Kicking off at 17:00 GMT (12:00 local time), the event will be hosted by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, with a notable guest appearance expected from US President Donald Trump. This ceremony will also mark the first-ever presentation of the FIFA Peace Prize.

How the Seeding System Works

With 48 teams competing, the seeding process is crucial for balanced groups. Teams will be divided into four pots of 12 based on FIFA rankings and confederation rules:

Pot 1: Hosts (USA, Canada, Mexico) + top 9 FIFA-ranked teams
Pots 2-4: Next-best ranked teams, with UEFA nations likely dominating higher pots

Hosts will be assigned specific slots: Mexico to A1, Canada to B1, and USA to D1. Groups will feature one team from each pot, with strict rules: no more than two UEFA teams per group, and no teams from the same non-UEFA confederation in the same group.

Who Has Already Qualified?

As of November 2025, 34 nations have secured their spots:

Europe (12 teams): Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Croatia, Scotland
Africa (9 teams): Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Cape Verde
Asia (8 teams): Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Uzbekistan
South America (6 teams): Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay
Oceania (1 team): New Zealand

The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, featuring the largest field in tournament history.

Teams Still Contending

14 spots remain up for grabs across the next international breaks:

UEFA Playoffs (4 spots): 16 teams including Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, and others will compete in single-leg playoffs in March 2026
Inter-Confederation Playoffs (2 spots): Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, New Caledonia, and two Concacaf teams will battle in March
Remaining Concacaf spots: Three teams will qualify directly in November

How to Watch the Draw

Fans can catch all the action live on BBC platforms starting at 17:00 GMT on December 5. Coverage includes:

BBC TV and BBC iPlayer
BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds
Live text updates on BBC Sport website/app
Post-draw reaction on YouTube

Switzerland celebrates their qualification for the 2026 World Cup, one of Europe's strong contenders in the expanded tournament.

The 2026 World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across 16 cities in the three host nations.

What to Expect Next

With the draw approaching, focus shifts to how the expanded format will change World Cup dynamics. Traditional powerhouses like Spain, Belgium, and Switzerland will aim to navigate trickier groups, while emerging nations seek to capitalize on the increased opportunities. The UEFA playoffs promise intense battles, with Austria among the favorites to secure their spot.

As football prepares for its biggest-ever celebration, one thing is certain: the 2026 World Cup will deliver unprecedented drama, diversity, and unforgettable moments. Mark your calendars for December 5!