World Cup 2026 draw: updates as the teams await fate in Washington DC – live

• The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on December 5, 2025, starting at 12 PM local time. This event will determine the group phase matchups for the 48 teams participating in the tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The draw will feature performances by notable artists, including the Village People and Andrea Bocelli.
• This draw is significant as it not only establishes the competitive landscape for the World Cup but also showcases FIFA's efforts to promote the event through high-profile performances and presentations. The anticipation surrounding the draw reflects the global interest in the tournament, which is expected to attract millions of viewers.
• The event is set against a backdrop of various geopolitical tensions, notably Iran's initial decision to boycott the draw due to visa issues, which it later reversed. Additionally, the implementation of a tennis-style seeding system for the top teams aims to enhance competitive balance, ensuring that powerhouse nations do not face each other until later in the tournament. This reflects ongoing discussions about fairness and representation in international sports.

— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System