FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw Scheduled for December 5 in Washington, DC

Football fans around the world will soon discover the group-stage matchups for the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026™, as the official Final Draw is scheduled to take place on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the renowned Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

The announcement was made jointly by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who also chairs the Kennedy Center, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a special appearance at the White House. The draw is considered one of the key milestones in the lead-up to what will be the largest FIFA World Cup™ in history, hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Bringing together team representatives, football federations, diplomats, fans from the 16 Host Cities, and members of the global media, the draw will mark the moment when the world learns how the 48 qualified teams will be grouped for the tournament’s opening stages.

A Cultural Icon as a Global Stage

Hosting the draw at the Kennedy Center—America’s national cultural institution and a living tribute to President John F. Kennedy—reflects FIFA’s goal of intertwining sport with culture. The venue, which attracts millions of visitors annually for its performances and exhibits, will temporarily transform into the epicenter of world football.

For one night in December, the Kennedy Center will not only host some of football’s most prominent figures but also shine with the presence of the FIFA World Cup Trophy, symbolizing the dream of every national team: lifting the coveted title on July 19, 2026, at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

Fans to Join the Experience

In a historic first for the World Cup draw, FIFA has announced a fan lottery that will allow supporters from each of the 16 Host Cities—two in Canada, three in Mexico, and eleven across the United States—to win free access to the event, including VIP experiences. A limited number of spots will be allocated per city, and further information on how to enter the draw will be released soon.

FIFA President Infantino shared his enthusiasm about the draw, stating:

“We are proud to host the most eagerly awaited Final Draw in World Cup history in Washington, DC—a city that represents the spirit of the tournament and the unity we aim to achieve. The Kennedy Center offers the perfect setting for this moment, and we look forward to welcoming delegations, fans, and media from around the world.”

A Pivotal Step Toward 2026

The draw will begin at 12:00 p.m. local time (18:00 CET) and will be broadcast live worldwide, with full coverage provided by FIFA’s global media partners. Details about broadcast schedules and the full draw process will be made available on FIFA.com in the coming weeks.

As per the match schedule released earlier, the three host countries will be placed in pre-assigned positions: Mexico (A1), Canada (B1), and the United States (D1).

In the months leading up to the tournament, North America will host several other major FIFA events. In March 2026, the continent will stage the inaugural FIFA Play-off Tournament, featuring six nations competing for the final two spots in the tournament. Additionally, Vancouver, Canada, will welcome the global football community for the 76th FIFA Congress on April 30, 2026.

So far, 13 teams have qualified for the tournament, including the three hosts. Among them are football giants like Argentina, Brazil, and Japan, as well as debutants Jordan and Uzbekistan. By the time the draw takes place, 42 out of the 48 teams will have secured qualification, with the remaining six decided in March’s playoffs.

Media Accreditation and Coverage

FIFA will soon release information for media professionals wishing to cover the Final Draw. Journalists are encouraged to register with the FIFA Media Hub to receive updates and submit accreditation requests.

As the world prepares for the most expansive and inclusive FIFA World Cup yet, all eyes will turn to Washington, DC this December—where the journey to glory will officially begin.