2026 World Cup draw in Washington: see date, time and where to watch the 48 confirmed teams live Por Bruna
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FIFA will draw the groups for the 2026 World Cup on December 5th, in Washington D.C., in the United States, at 1 pm Brasília time (local time). The event takes place at the Kennedy Center and defines the 12 groups with 48 teams, marking the expanded format of the tournament hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The ceremony confirms 42 teams already classified, with six pending places for repechages in March 2026. Broadcast takes place on Globo, CazéTV and SBT.
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- Brazil joins Pot 1 as seed.
- Host countries occupy fixed positions: Mexico (A1), Canada (B1) and United States (D1).
- FIFA Ranking determines division of Pots 2, 3 and 4.
New format expands tournament
The 2026 World Cup opens with 48 teams in 12 groups of four teams each. The top two from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advance to the knockout stage.
There will be 104 matches in total, an increase of 40 games compared to the 2022 edition in Qatar. Opening match takes place on June 11 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Brazil secures privileged position
The Brazilian team occupies seventh place in the FIFA rankings and guarantees a place in Pot 1. Carlo Ancelotti leads the team, with no risk of falling until the draw.
Host countries complete the group of seeds. The composition of the pots follows global classification criteria.
Recaps define final spots
Six teams compete for the last positions in March 2026. Intercontinental tournaments distribute two places.
Separate European competition fills an additional vacancy. FIFA organizes events to complete the roster of 48 participants.
Official event schedule
Draw starts countdown to the World Cup. Final is scheduled for July 19th at MetLife Stadium, in New York/New Jersey.
FIFA Congress precedes the tournament on April 30, 2026, in Vancouver. Preparations progress according to the established schedule.
Transmission reaches Brazilian audience
Globo, CazéTV and SBT hold the rights to show the draw. Ceremony takes place at 1pm and details initial clashes. Event brings together representatives of classified federations. Expectations grow for the definition of groups.
Seats fix starting positions
Mexico starts in Group A, Canada in B and the United States in D. Positions avoid early clashes between hosts. Format ensures balancein the group stage. Increase in selections increases overall competitiveness.
