Here’s a full breakdown of the 2026 World Cup group stage draw. The World Cup draw will take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC on Friday, Dec. 5 at 12 p.m. ET (9 a.m. PT, 5 p.m. GMT).

For the latest qualifying standings and schedules for all six confederations, click here.World Cup draw pots: How they workThe 48 teams will be divided into four pots of 12, with the hosts joining FIFA"s top-nine in seeded places for the tournament.

Nigeria will miss a second successive edition of the World Cup after losing 4-3 on penalties to DR Congo in the African play-off final after a 1-1 draw.

The 40-year-old was forced to miss out on his country’s final World Cup qualifier against Armenia after he was sent off in Portugal’s shock 2–0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland last time out. Ronaldo caught Dara O’Shea with a trailing elbow and saw red for the first time in his 22-year international career.

Which nations have booked their places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the European Qualifiers and who needs what to join them?

England beat Albania 2-0 on Sunday evening to finish the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying with a flawless record.Manager Thomas Tuchel made seven changes to the side that started the 2-0 win over

Mauricio Pochettino will make sure to avoid as much heartbreak as possible with the U.S. men’s national team when he names his final squad ahead of the official 2026 World Cup roster.