LIVE: 2026 World Cup group stage draw: Who will the USMNT play, how will the groups be drawn?
This Friday, Dec. 5, in Washington, D.C., the 2026 FIFA World Cup groups will be decided. Follow the details of the event minute by minute.
FIFA World Cup
The sports world looks to Washington this Friday for the group stage draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Representatives of the soccer world, journalists and even President Donald Trump will attend the event at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to witness the day that will define next year's games in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Former Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand will be the master of ceremonies. Other sports figures such as former players Wayne Gretzky (NHL), Tom Brady (NFL) and Shaquille O'Neal (NBA), and current stars such as Aaron Judge (MLB) have also confirmed their attendance.
All times are in Eastern Standard Time (EST) unless otherwise specified.
Pochettino on the USMNT: "The last few months were very good but I think we’re still improving"
"We are so full of adrenaline now, waiting for the draw, to know your opening," the national team coach told Fox minutes before the ceremony began. At the same time, he stressed the importance of enjoying the moment, "because it's a unique event."
On whether the result of the draw will change the team's preparation, the Argentine maintained that not "too much." They will prepare as they do for all matches, including for the March friendlies against Belgium and Portugal.
"Still I think we need to develop and evolve in the way we want to play," he added. "The last few months were very good but I think we’re still improving."
"We are going to be focused on us."
The ceremony has begun!
What the group stage draw will look like
Although there are still six countries that will be in the next edition of the FIFA World Cup, they will enter through the play-offs, the 48 national teams will be divided into 12 groups of four participants each.
During the draw, four pots will be placed in which there will be 12 national teams in each of them. Each pot will contribute one national team to complete the 12 groups.
As hosts, United States (which will head Group D), Mexico (in Group A) and Canada (assigned to Group B) will be in Pot 1, as will the four national teams with the highest FIFA rankings: Spain, Argentina, France and England. This seeding ensures they will not be able to face each other until the semifinals.
What time does the group stage draw begin?
- 9 a.m. in Los Angeles
- 11 a.m. in Dallas
- 11 a.m. in Mexico City, Mexico
- 12 p.m. in Bogotá, Colombia
- 2 p.m. in Buenos Aires, Argentina
- 6 p.m. in Madrid, Spain
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