The FIFA World Cup draw is just around the corner, scheduled for December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Excitement is building as FIFA has revealed the final pots for the 48 teams participating in the tournament. These pots are determined by the FIFA men’s world rankings. The three host nations—United States, Canada, and Mexico—join the nine highest-ranked teams in pot one. Following that, the next 12 highest-ranked teams fill pot two and so forth, with pot four featuring playoff winners from UEFA and inter-confederation playoffs. Mark your calendars; the match calendar and stadium information will be unveiled the following day, December 6.
To ensure a balanced competition, the top four teams from the FIFA rankings are set to be drawn under specific guidelines, preventing them from clashing until the semifinals. Spain, Argentina, France, and England occupy these top positions, with Spain and Argentina placed in separate pathways, making their potential encounter in the final possible but not guaranteed.
### FIFA World Cup Pots
The official pots are outlined as follows:
– **Pot 1:** Canada, Mexico, USA, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany
– **Pot 2:** Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Iran, Korea Republic, Ecuador, Austria, Australia
– **Pot 3:** Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa
– **Pot 4:** Jordan, Cabo Verde, Ghana, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand, European Play-Offs A, B, C, D, FIFA Play-Off Tournament 1, 2
Some compelling group scenarios could emerge from these pots. For instance, imagine the U.S. drawing Morocco, Norway, and Ghana, or Brazil ending up with Japan, Egypt, and Italy (should they succeed in the European playoffs). Even with an expanded format accommodating 48 teams, the chance of seeing both balanced and challenging groups remains high.
### Draw Restrictions
In this draw, only one team from the same federation can be placed in a group, with certain exceptions for UEFA nations, where a maximum of two groups can include two UEFA teams each. The playoff tournament teams will similarly adhere to federation restrictions, preventing host nations from drawing teams engaged in the FIFA playoffs, as Concacaf teams such as Jamaica and Suriname may be involved.
### When Are the Playoffs?
Mark your calendars for the March international break in 2026, when all playoffs will take place. UEFA playoffs are set for March 26, culminating in finals on March 31. Inter-confederation playoffs will run between March 23-31, held in Mexico across Estadio Akron in Guadalajara and Estadio BBVA in Monterrey. By the end of March, all 48 teams will be confirmed and arranged into their respective groups.
– **PATH 1**
Semifinal: New Caledonia vs. Jamaica
Final: Congo DR vs. New Caledonia/Jamaica
– **PATH 2**
Semifinal: Bolivia vs. Suriname
Final: Iraq vs. Bolivia/Suriname
– **PATH A**
Semifinals: Italy vs. Northern Ireland
Semifinals: Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Final: Wales/Bosnia vs. Italy/Northern Ireland
– **PATH B**
Semifinal: Ukraine vs. Sweden
Semifinal: Poland vs. Albania
Final: Ukraine/Sweden vs. Poland/Albania
– **PATH C**
Semifinal: Turkiye vs. Romania
Semifinal: Slovakia vs. Kosovo
Final: Slovakia/Kosovo vs. Turkiye/Romania
– **PATH D**
Semifinal: Denmark vs. North Macedonia
Semifinal: Czechia vs. Republic of Ireland
Final: Czechia/Republic of Ireland vs. Denmark/North Macedonia
### How the World Cup Works
The 2026 World Cup will feature an increase to 48 teams, up from the previous 32. These teams will compete in 12 groups of four. The format will also introduce a new knockout round following the group stage, which will consist of 32 teams. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to this round, ultimately leading to the quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final. Argentina will aim to defend their championship title from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
### How World Cup Slots Are Decided
Of the 48 slots available, UEFA is assured 16, while CAF will receive nine, and AFC eight. There will also be a minimum of six slots each from CONMEBOL and Concacaf. Notably, the Oceania Football Confederation has secured its first guaranteed slot, and the remaining two slots will be filled via intercontinental playoffs.
The draw is merely days away, promising thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments. Who are you rooting for as the teams prepare to battle for football’s most coveted trophy?
