The draw for the 2026 World Cup is underway! Be sure to tune in for live coverage starting at 11:30 a.m. ET on FOX, FOXSports.com, FOX One, and the FOX Sports App.
Before the tournament kicks off next summer, all 48 participating squads, including the U.S. men’s national team and co-hosts Canada and Mexico, will find out their opponents, locations for matches, and their route to the finals.
Curious how this works? Let’s get set for the World Cup draw.
When is the draw?
The World Cup draw will take place on Friday, December 5th, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.
What time is the draw?
The official start time for the World Cup draw is at 12 PM ET/9 AM PT, with pre-event coverage beginning on FOX at 11:30 AM ET. The drawing itself will run from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET, after which FOX will continue live coverage until 3:00 PM ET, offering immediate analysis, reactions, and interviews.
Where to watch the draw?
The draw will be broadcast live on FOX as well as streamed on FOX One, FOXSports.com, and the FOX Sports app. Coverage begins with a live pre-show at 11:30 AM ET/8:30 AM PT.
Which teams will be participating?

Currently, 42 of the 48 teams have secured their spots in the World Cup, with the remaining six to be determined in March. The grouping of all teams into 12 groups will be finalized during the draw on December 5th. The complexities of the draw process will be elucidated by USMNT legend and FOX Sports Soccer Analyst Alexi Lalas.
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Who’s participating in the event?
Supermodel and television host Heidi Klum, actor and comedian Kevin Hart, and actor-producer Danny Ramirez will co-host the draw. Musical acts include Andrea Bocelli, Village People, Robbie Williams, and the award-winning Nicole Scherzinger.
Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady will also participate, along with NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky, MLB All-Star Aaron Judge, and NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal.
The draw will be conducted by England captain and Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, alongside international broadcaster Samantha Johnson, while Eli Manning will host the red carpet festivities.
When is the World Cup taking place?
The World Cup is scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026. This tournament, hosted by three nations, will culminate in the finals on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Fans can expect comprehensive coverage, including live matches, highlights, commentary, and replays on the FOX family of networks and the FOX Sports app.
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Fan Take: This draw is a pivotal moment for soccer enthusiasts, as it sets the stage for the upcoming World Cup and builds excitement for team matchups. It offers an opportunity for fans to rally behind their nations and strategize for the tournament.


