This Friday, Fifa will hold the draw for the groups from Copa to Mundo in 2026, in Washington, in Estados Unidos. The event takes place at Kennedy Center, starting at 12pm local time, equivalent to 2pm in Brasília. The ceremony defines the 12 groups with the 48 participating teams, marking the official start of the countdown to the tournament.
The draw brings together 42 teams already classified, including Brasil, Argentina and França, as well as placeholders for the remaining six places in the repechages. The live broadcast guarantees global access, with a focus on Brazilian broadcasters such as Globo and SBT.
Among the attractions, musical performances by Andrea Bocelli and Robbie Williams liven up the stage, while celebrities such as Tom Brady help extract the balls.
- Main Brazilian channels: Globo (open TV), SBT (open TV) and SporTV (closed TV).
- Digital platforms: CazéTV and GE TV on YouTube, with free signal.
- International: FIFA+ for streaming in multiple languages.
Event details at Washington
Kennedy Center receives the draw in an expanded format for 48 teams, the first with this number of participants. The ceremony begins with speeches from Fifa and continues with the division into pots based on the world ranking.
Presenters like Heidi Klum and Kevin Hart command the stage, ensuring a festive tone. Brasil, at Pote 1, avoids early clashes with top teams like Espanha and Inglaterra until the semifinals.
Distribution follows rules for geographic balance, limiting Uefa teams to a maximum of two per group. The host countries, Estados Unidos, México and Canadá, occupy fixed positions in groups A, B and D.
The process lasts around two hours, with breaks for analysis. Após the event, fans access updates on official Fifa apps.
Broadcasts confirmed on Brasil
Globo broadcasts the draw on national television, with narration by Galvão Bueno from 1:30 pm. SBT goes live at 1:30 pm, sponsored by Bem Brasil and Itaú, focusing on Brazilian reactions.
SporTV offers extended coverage, with pre- and post-event debates. Plataformas like Globoplay release the Globo signal at no additional cost for logged in users.
- Free options: YouTube by CazéTV, with Casimiro commenting in real time.
- GE TV: Transmissão exclusive on YouTube, with experts analyzing pots.
- CNN Brasil: Live on TV and YouTube, focusing on impacts for Seleção.
These options serve a variety of audiences, from traditional TV to mobile streaming.
Expanded format brings new features
The 2026 Copa innovates with 12 groups of four teams each, advancing 32 teams to the knockout stages. The Pote 1 includes seeds such as Brasil and Alemanha, randomly distributed into groups A to L.
Rules prohibit pairs of confederations in the same group, except Uefa with 16 teams. The draw prioritizes balanced clashes, with the top four ranked on separate paths to the semifinals.
The tournament starts on June 11th at Estádio Azteca, at México, and ends on July 19th at MetLife Stadium, at Nova Jersey. Sedes distribute 104 games across 16 cities in the three countries.
This structure expands opportunities for underdogs, with eight best third parties advancing. Fifa has adjusted the calendar to globally accessible times.
Preparation of classified selections
Forty-two nations secured places via continental qualifiers. América of Sul contributes six, including Brasil and Uruguai, while Europa has 16 representatives.
European repechages take place in March 2026, defining four extra places. The intercontinental playoff adds two, completing the grid.
Coaches monitor the draw to plan initial practices. The Brasil, under Dorival Júnior, tests formations against potential rivals of the Pote 2, such as Senegal.
Strategies focus on adapting to different time zones, with games in up to 16 venues. Fifa releases the full table on Saturday, including stadiums and local times.
This preliminary phase allows simulations, such as those available on fan apps.
Digital access for a global audience
FIFA+ broadcasts the draw in free streaming, with options in Portuguese and English. The official website covers real-time updates including photos from the event.
On YouTube, channels like Fifa reach millions, with automatic subtitles. Plataformas as well as Peacock and Fubo deliver to US audiences, with Spanish narration via Telemundo.
- Extra features: App from Fifa for group notifications.
- Social coverage: Lives in the entity’s Instagram for interactions.
- Post analysis: Debates on portals such as ESPN and UOL.
These digital channels ensure inclusivity, especially for those who travel or prefer smaller screens. Global broadcasting reinforces football’s reach.
Impact of artistic presentations
Shows by Village People and Nicole Scherzinger precede the extractions, elevating the spectacle. Andrea Bocelli opens with a classic performance, while Robbie Williams livens up the intermission.
These attractions mix culture and sport, attracting non-fans. Fifa uses the event to promote diversity, with artists from different backgrounds.
The stage at Kennedy Center seats 2,200 people, with 4K broadcast. Celebridades sports, like Wayne Gretzky, participate in the balls, symbolizing unity.
This fusion entertains while informing, keeping the focus on the groups.
The draw reinforces expectations for June, with 104 matches scheduled. Fãs prepare agendas based on results, boosting tourism in the headquarters.
Options for those who miss the live broadcast
Replays are available on SporTV’s Globoplay and YouTube shortly after the end. Destaques of the groups circulate on official social networks.
Podcasts from broadcasters like UOL analyze scenarios for the next day. Fifa launches official video with summary in multiple languages.
- Tips: Ative alerts in the entity’s app for updates.
- Alternatives: Sites like GE offer textual recaps with infographics.
These features maintain ongoing engagement.
