How the FIFA World Cup Draw Works: Explained by NPR

The FIFA World Cup draw is an eagerly awaited event that will take place prior to the 2026 World Cup. Scheduled for Friday at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., this draw will determine the initial matchups for the tournament involving 48 teams. The event is significant as it shapes the path teams must navigate in their pursuit of soccer’s ultimate prize.

Structure of the Draw

The 2026 tournament will be unprecedented, with teams divided into 12 groups of four. This expansion from previous tournaments allows for more nations to participate and compete. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place teams, will advance to the knockout rounds.

Qualification Status

• As of now, 42 teams have secured their places in the tournament.
• Six additional spots remain, with final qualifiers facing off in playoffs scheduled for March 2026.

How Teams Are Organized for the Draw

Participating teams are categorized into four pots based on their FIFA rankings. This ranking will directly influence the draw process.

• Pot 1: Features top-ranked teams like Spain and Brazil, in addition to the three host nations.
• Pot 4: Includes the lowest-ranked teams, such as World Cup newcomers Cape Verde, Curaçao, and Jordan.

The teams from each pot will be drawn into groups, abiding by specific rules. For instance, no more than two European teams can occupy a single group. Additionally, teams from one confederation cannot be drawn into the same group as another from the same continent.

Special Grouping Rules for Top Teams

In a notable twist for this tournament, top-ranked teams like Spain and Argentina will be placed in separate group sections. This logistical decision aims to prevent these favorites from clashing before the final, provided they each win their respective groups.

Timing and Location Determination

While the draw will assign opponents, details regarding match locations and kickoff times will be revealed the following day. FIFA intends to factor in travel considerations and favorable timings for global spectators.

Anticipated Outcomes and Implications

The draw’s outcomes can significantly impact a team’s journey in the tournament. Traditionally, teams prefer to be placed in less formidable groups, nicknamed the “Group of Death,” which indicates high competition levels.

Unpredictability is a hallmark of the World Cup. Even historically strong teams, such as Germany and Spain, have faced early exits in past tournaments. However, the expanded format means that teams finishing third in their groups may still qualify for the knockout stage.

Favorites and Under-the-Radar Teams

Among the early favorites are notable powerhouses: Spain, England, Argentina, Brazil, and France. However, attention will also be on emerging nations like Curaçao, which represents significant milestones as the smallest nation to qualify with a population exceeding 150,000. The U.S. men’s national team enters the draw with renewed momentum after an unbeaten streak in its last five matches.

This year’s World Cup promises excitement and compelling storylines. Fans will eagerly await the draw to see whom their national teams will face on the world stage.