The Federação Internacional of Futebol (FIFA) will hold this Friday, December 5, 2025, the draw for the groups of Copa of The event takes place at John F. The ceremony mixes sport and entertainment, with the confirmed presence of president Donald Trump, who receives the Prêmio FIFA from Paz during the program.
The tournament, co-hosted by Estados Unidos, México and Canadá, debuts the expanded format with 12 groups of four teams each. Avançam the first two in each group and the eight best third-placed teams go to the knockout stages. The draw marks the first major public event of Mundial, which starts on June 11, 2026 and ends on July 19, in Nova Jersey.
The choice of location reflects the closeness between FIFA and the US government, with president Trump serving as chairman of Kennedy Center. Líderes of México and Canadá, Claudia Sheinbaum and Mark Carney, participate in a symbolic drawing of balls.
So far, 42 teams have qualified, including the three hosts. The remaining places are eliminated from the playoffs in March 2026, but the draw continues based on the FIFA ranking for the pots.
Pots and group formation criteria
The 48 teams are divided into four pots, with one selection from each forming a group. Pote 1 includes hosts Estados Unidos, México and Canadá, plus the top nine FIFA rankings among qualifiers.
Pote 2 groups positions 10 to 19, Pote 3 groups 20 to 29, and Pote 4 the remaining positions. Restrições avoid early clashes between leaders: Espanha does not face Argentina before the final, and França avoids Inglaterra until the end.
- Maximum of two UEFA teams per group due to 16 European places.
- One team per confederation in each bracket, except UEFA.
- Host countries fixed in specific groups for local games.
These rules ensure balance, with Brasil in Pote 1 alongside Espanha and Argentina.
The process starts with Pote 1, allocating teams into groups A to L. Then, subsequent pots fill the brackets.
The presence of Trump raises the political tone of the event
Donald Trump actively participates in the ceremony, presiding over the draw alongside Sheinbaum and Carney. Ele receives the first Prêmio FIFA from Paz, created to recognize global unity efforts.
The relationship between Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strengthened since the selection of the venue in 2018. Infantino visited Casa Branca several times, and Trump influenced the selection of
The event lasts about two hours and includes speeches from Infantino. The choice of venue, initially considered in Las Vegas, meets the government’s preference.
Criticism has arisen over the political tone, but FIFA emphasizes the sporting focus.
Innovative format for 104 games in the tournament
The Copa of 2026 introduces significant changes to the regulation. With 48 teams, the number of matches increases to 104, 40 more than in 2022.
The group stage takes place from June 11th to 27th, in 16 host cities. The knockout stage starts on June 28th, with round of 16 matches from July 4th to 7th.
The champion plays up to seven matches, compared to six in previous editions. The eight best third parties advance, increasing the chances of surprises.
- Group stage: 72 games in 16 days.
- Eighth and quarterfinals: In eight selected stadiums.
- Semifinals and final: At MetLife Stadium, Nova Jersey.
This structure tests the teams’ resistance and distributes games across the three countries.
The expansion allows for the debut of nations such as Cabo Verde, Jordânia and Curaçao, according to Arsène Wenger, a FIFA consultant.
Entertainment turns raffle into spectacle
The ceremony features performances by renowned artists to attract a global audience. Andrea Bocelli opens the event with an operatic performance, followed by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger.
Supermodel Heidi Klum and comedian Kevin Hart lead the broadcast. The group Village People closes with “Y.M.C.A.”, an anthem associated with events in Trump.
Kennedy Center, traditional in performing arts, adapts to the hybrid format. Milhares of executives, ambassadors and journalists fill the place.
The broadcast takes place live on FIFA+, SporTV and SBT on Brasil, starting at 2pm on Brasília.
The show aims to engage fans beyond football, marking the countdown to the tournament.
Confirmed selections and notable absences
Forty-two teams have secured places so far. Europa dominates with 16, América of Sul has 6, including Brasil and Argentina.
Africa and Ásia total 9 each, with newcomers like Marrocos and Uzbequistão. Concacaf has 8, plus the hosts.
- Europe: França, Inglaterra, Alemanha, among others.
- America of Sul: Brasil, Argentina, Uruguai.
- Africa: Nigéria, Senegal, Egito.
Iran initially boycotted over visa issues, but sent a delegation after negotiations. Treinador Amir Ghalenoei represents the country.
The intercontinental repechages define the six final places in March 2026, at América of Norte.
Preliminary calendar and game logistics
The table with exact times will be released on Saturday, December 6th. Games are spread across 16 stadiums, with México City opening on June 11 at Azteca.
States Unidos host the majority, with 11 venues. Canadá has three, México four. The final takes place at 6pm local time on Nova Jersey.
Ticket prices generate debate, with dynamic pricing increasing prices for popular matches. Ingressos for the final starts at US$7,000 on secondary markets.
FIFA prioritizes accessibility, with sales starting in 2026. Torcedores plan cross-border travel.
The tournament coincides with the 250th anniversary of US independence, broadening the appeal.
Impact of expansion on the global stage
The increase to 48 teams reflects the evolution of world football. Wenger defends the model as the “ideal number” for inclusion.
More than 200 days separate the draw from the kickoff. Equipes prepare for the new format, with a focus on player rotation.
Co-hosting tests coordination between nations, with facilitated border arrangements. Expectativa of 5 million fans boosts local economies.
Today’s event begins an era of greater diversity at Mundial.
