On 5 December 2025, the world will discover the group stage matches for the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
The draw will be conducted at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC, United States of America.
Next year’s 48-team FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
As announced by the President of the United States and Chairman of the Kennedy Center, Donald J. Trump, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House late on Friday, the Kennedy Center will serve as the location for team officials, ambassadors, fans representing the tournament’s host cities, and global media representatives, amongst others, to unite as one of the major milestones on the path to the global showpiece.
In a groundbreaking initiative for the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup, fans from each of the 16 Host Cities (two in Canada, three in Mexico, and 11 in the United States) will be able to participate in a special lottery for the chance to win complimentary admission to the once-in-a-lifetime event, including a VIP experience.
A select number of admissions will be allocated to each host city, with the lottery procedures to be announced in due course.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, “We are excited to host the most anticipated Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup in history in the cultural and entertainment heart of the United States, the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. The draw is a major tournament milestone and one that will continue the remarkable build-up to the biggest sporting event ever, as we get set for many landmark FIFA events across North America throughout 2026.
“We look forward to welcoming the team delegations, our partners, global media, and, uniquely, fans representing each of the 16 wonderful host cities to the capital of the United States for this significant occasion.”
Additional reporting by FIFA.com
