World Cup 2026 Draw: Teams, Pots, and Star-Studded Lineup Revealed

England and Scotland learn their group stage possibilities as FIFA prepares for a high-profile draw event.

Mark your calendars and set your alarms—the draw for the 2026 World Cup is rolling into Washington on Friday, December 5. If you’re tuning in from the UK or Ireland, the curtain rises at 5 PM, with the main event—the all-important drawing of teams—kicking off just before 6 PM. It’s the kind of night where football dreams are made or dashed, all in the time it takes to pull a name from a bowl. The ceremony is expected to feel more like a global entertainment showcase, with a celebrity-packed World Cup draw event in Washington already drawing comparisons to a sports Hall of Fame reunion.

Talk about a guest list! US President Donald Trump and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino are expected to rub shoulders, while sports royalty like Rio Ferdinand, Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Aaron Judge, and Shaquille O’Neal will be in the house. And if that’s not enough star power, the musical lineup reads like a festival poster: Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, and the Village People are all set to hit the stage. Who says football can’t throw a good party? Behind the glamour, organizers are also preparing for the massive logistical challenge of World Cup hosting preparations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

England enters the draw as the fourth seed, sitting pretty but not quite on top of the football food chain. Here’s a twist: England can’t cross paths with European champions Spain or world champions Argentina until the semi-finals—so no early fireworks there. And if you’re hoping for an England-France showdown, you’ll have to wait for the final. Meanwhile, Scotland finds itself in Pot 3, ready to punch above its weight and maybe, just maybe, cause a stir. The entire draw process follows a carefully structured system, and fans can explore the full breakdown of the 2026 World Cup draw format and team pots ahead of the big reveal.

There’s a method to the madness: no group can have more than two European teams, and each group can only feature one team from any other football confederation. Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and Wales are still in the play-off trenches, but if they make it through, they’ll land in Pot 4. It’s a bit like musical chairs, only with more sweat and fewer chairs.

Mexico City is rolling out the red carpet for the opening match, while the grand finale will unfold at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. FIFA is still playing coy with the kick-off times, and organizers are mulling over timing tweaks to help players and fans dodge the summer heat across the USA, Mexico, and Canada. After all, nobody wants to see a World Cup decided by sunburn.

The 2026 World Cup draw promises a glittering guest list, powerhouse football nations, and a show that’s sure to keep everyone on the edge of their seats. Stay tuned—more details on the draw process and tournament plans will be revealed as the big day draws near.