The world awaits. This afternoon, 48 national teams will discover their paths in the expanded FIFA World Cup 2026, a tournament poised to be the largest and most ambitious in history. Managers like Thomas Tuchel and Steve Clarke are keenly anticipating the draw, a moment that will define their preparations for a competition spanning 16 stadiums across three nations.
Beyond the excitement, logistical challenges loom. Soaring summer temperatures and extensive travel distances present real hurdles for players and teams. But for now, all attention is focused on Washington DC, where football federation delegates have gathered to learn their fate.
This World Cup breaks new ground with a record number of participants and a revolutionary format. A tennis-style seeding system has been implemented, potentially offering England a favorable progression through the tournament. A total of 108 games will ultimately determine the next World Cup champion, crowned at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The draw begins at 5pm UK time on Friday, December 5th. Forty-two teams have already secured their places, with the remaining six spots to be decided through UEFA and inter-confederation playoffs in March. The tournament will be structured around 12 groups of four, each containing one team from each of the four seeded pots.
England finds itself in Pot 1, alongside reigning champions Argentina and the tournament co-hosts: Canada, Mexico, and the USA. Scotland, after a dramatic qualification, has earned a place in Pot 3. The new seeding system ensures that the top two ranked teams – Spain and Argentina – will be kept apart, as will the third and fourth-ranked sides, France and England.
Here’s a look at the current pot allocations:
Pot 1:Canada, Mexico, USA, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany.
Pot 2:Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Iran, South Korea, Ecuador, Austria, Australia.
Pot 3:Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Cote d’Ivoire, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa.
Pot 4:Jordan, Cabo Verde, Ghana, Curacao, Haiti, New Zealand, European play-off winners from paths A, B, C, D, and FIFA inter-confederation play-off winners 1 and 2.
The European play-offs, concluding in March 2026, will determine the final teams from that region. Similarly, inter-confederation playoffs will finalize the remaining spots, with matches scheduled in Mexico on March 26th and 31st.
Could England and Scotland find themselves in the same group? It’s a possibility, given their respective pot placements. However, a rule limiting groups to two teams from the same confederation adds a layer of complexity. If England draws another European team from Pot 2, Scotland will be prevented from joining them.
Should they avoid each other, England and Scotland could potentially face Northern Ireland, Wales, or the Republic of Ireland, should those nations navigate the playoff rounds. All three would be placed in Pot 4, awaiting their potential opponents.
The draw will unfold at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, a renowned venue for the performing arts. FIFA President Gianni Infantino will be present, alongside US President Donald Trump, who is expected to receive a special FIFA “Peace Prize.”
Delegates from participating nations will attend, with one notable absence. Iran has announced a boycott, citing visa issues preventing their federation president from traveling to the USA.
For those wishing to watch, the draw will be broadcast on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and livestreamed globally on FIFA.com and YouTube.
The 2026 World Cup will kick off on June 11th with a match between hosts Mexico and a yet-to-be-determined group stage opponent at the iconic Mexico City Stadium – marking the third time this stadium has hosted the tournament’s opening game.
Canada, Mexico, and the USA will each play their group stage matches on home soil, minimizing travel for players and fans. England’s specific fixtures and regional allocation (Western, Central, or Eastern) will be revealed during the draw, setting the stage for their campaign.
