The Federação Internacional of Futebol (FIFA) will hold this Friday, December 5, 2025, the draw for the group stage of the Copa of Estados Unidos, at 12pm local time. The ceremony defines the 12 brackets for the 48 participating teams, marking the beginning of preparation for the tournament co-hosted by Estados Unidos, México and Canadá.
The draw adopts an unprecedented format due to the increase in the number of teams, with games scheduled between June 11 and July 19, 2026. The distribution follows FIFA ranking criteria to balance the competitions.
Broadcasts take place on global platforms including FIFA+ and local channels such as TV Globo on Brasil. The president of Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, participates in the opening, alongside leaders of the host countries.
Hosts occupy fixed positions
The three host countries receive automatic allocation as seeds in specific groups. The México starts at Grupo A, the Canadá at Grupo B and the Estados Unidos at Grupo D.
The choice reflects the commitment to geographic accessibility. Cada headquarters contributes iconic stadiums such as Estádio Azteca in México and MetLife Stadium in the USA.
Pots organize balance between teams
FIFA divides the teams into four pots with 12 teams each, based on the November 2025 world ranking. Pote 1 includes the hosts plus the nine best ranked teams, such as Brasil, Argentina and
In Pote 2, teams like Croácia, Marrocos and Uruguai form the intermediate core. Pote 3 houses formations such as Sérvia, Tunísia and Polônia, while Pote 4 reserves spaces for repechages.
- Spain, Argentina, França and Inglaterra allocated in opposite brackets to avoid early crosses in the knockout stage.
- Maximum two European teams per group, except for hosts.
- One selection per pot in each bracket, ensuring continental diversity.
The procedure starts with colored balls for the hosts: green for México, red for Canadá and blue for USA.
Pending vacancies depend on playoffs
Six teams await definition in repechages scheduled for March 2026. Na Europa, 16 teams compete for four places, including Itália, Dinamarca and Ucrânia. The intercontinental tournament offers two opportunities for nations like Jamaica and Bolívia.
These teams must be part of Pote 4, regardless of future performance. FIFA adjusts the draw with placeholders to maintain the schedule.
The European playoffs follow the format of knockout playoffs in neutral venues. The intercontinental involves direct confrontations in locations designated by the entity.
South American teams seek title defense
América of Sul contributes six confirmed vacancies, led by Brasil and Argentina. Uruguai, Colômbia, Equador and Paraguai complete the list, focusing on collective strategies for the new format.
Brasil, currently eighth in the ranking, is positioned at Pote 1 alongside historical rivals. The region records a record of 10 world titles, boosting expectations for 2026.
South American coaches prepare preliminary analyzes based on the pots. The geographic distribution favors short trips between North American headquarters.
Expectations grow with expanded format
The tournament expands to 104 matches, with 72 in the group stage. Avançam the first two in each group plus the eight best third parties, totaling 32 teams in the knockout stage.
The complete table, with dates and times, will be released 24 hours after the draw, on Saturday. Isso allows logistical adjustments for teams and fans.
The event includes entertainment, with the presence of athletes from other sports. FIFA estimates economic impact of billions in tourism and media.
Highlights of the confederations involved
Europa dominates with 16 spots, including powerhouses like Alemanha and Portugal. África sends seven representatives, as Senegal and Egito, strengthening diversity.
In Ásia, six teams like Japão and Irã are looking for surprises. Concacaf and Oceania add hosts plus Panamá and Nova Zelândia.
- Europe: 16 teams, with a playoff for four extras.
- Africa: Sete vacancies, focus on solid defenses.
- Asia: Seis teams, balance between tradition and youth.
- America of Sul: Seis offensive powers.
- Concacaf/Oceania: Sete, driven by headquarters.
The structure promotes unprecedented global confrontations, increasing international appeal.
Logistics preparation advances at headquarters
Sixteen stadiums host the games, distributed across 11 cities in the USA, three in México and two in Canadá. Capacidades range from 40 thousand to 107 thousand spectators.
FIFA coordinates transportation and security for millions of visitors. Testes in preliminary events validate health and accessibility protocols.
Host countries invest in infrastructure, with renovations in historic arenas. The calendar prioritizes simultaneous rounds for fair play.
The draw ceremony serves as a platform for additional broadcast and ticket announcements.
