Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino with the World Cup trophy at the White House (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
We are now getting closer and closer to knowing the group stage brackets for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in North America next summer.
The tournament was last held in Qatar in 2022, but from June 11, 2026, it will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
There are still a few playoffs left to determine the final teams to compete in the tournament, but most of the names have already been chosen in today’s draw.
Read everything you need to know about the 2026 World Cup draw schedule and President Donald Trump’s role in it all…
What time is the 2026 World Cup draw? How can I watch it?
The draw will take place later today at 5pm UK time from Washington DC. The show will be broadcast live on the BBC, so you can watch it on BBC Two or iPlayer.
When will the full World Cup schedule be released?
A complete schedule was not immediately released, with more details expected later this week.
Further updates regarding the venue, dates and kick-off time will be announced by FIFA on Saturday 6 December at 5pm UK time.
Who could England face in the group stages?
The seeding system in place means England will be further away from the other powerhouses at the World Cup.
The Three Lions cannot face Spain or Argentina until the semi-finals and France until the final.
However, with England and Scotland in pots 1 and 3 respectively, the rivalry could be reignited. This means they could be drawn in the same group, just like they were at Euro 2020.
There are also rules that only a maximum of two European teams can be in the same group, and no group can contain more than one team from another single federation.
Which team should qualify for the World Cup?
The likes of Wales and Northern Ireland are still determining whether they will actually qualify for next summer’s World Cup, so see below for the full World Cup play-off fixture schedule…
UEFA
Playoff Pass A:
Semi-finals: Italy vs. Northern Ireland
Semi-finals: wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
final: wales/Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy/Northern Ireland
Playoff Pass B:
Semi-finals: Ukraine vs Sweden
Semi-finals: Poland vs Albania
Final: Ukraine/Sweden vs Poland/Albania
Playoff Pass C:
Semi-finals: Türkiye vs Romania
Semi-finals: Slovakia vs Kosovo
Final: Slovakia/Kosovo vs Türkiye/Romania
Playoff Pass D:
Semi-finals: Denmark vs North Macedonia
Semi-finals: Czech Republic vs. republic of ireland
Finals: Czech Republic/republic of ireland vs Denmark/North Macedonia
Between federations
Playoff Pass A:
Semi-final: New Caledonia vs Jamaica
final: New Caledonia/Jamaica vs Congo
Playoff Pass B:
Semi-finals: Bolivia vs. Suriname
Final: Bolivia/Suriname vs Iraq
Which celebrity will join Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino in the drawing?
Donald Trump is at the very heart of America’s preparations for the World Cup, just as he was when Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup trophy in the summer.
Today we expect Trump to be joined by FIFA president Infantino and former Manchester United and England star Rio Ferdinand.
Other notable athletes such as Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Aaron Judge and Shaquille O’Neal will also be in the drawing.
Meanwhile, I’m also looking forward to performances by Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, and Village People.
