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Key Points

The Final Draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held at Washington's Kennedy Center on December 5, 2025. This event will set the group-stage matchups for the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams. U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino made the joint announcement from the White House. Fans from all 16 host cities have a chance to attend the draw through a special free lottery.

Key Points: FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw Set for December at Kennedy Center

  • Draw determines group-stage matchups for expanded 48-team tournament
  • Host nations US, Mexico, Canada get pre-assigned group positions
  • Final two spots decided by new FIFA play-off in March 2026
  • Fans from all 16 host cities can win free draw tickets via lottery
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Final draw for FIFA World Cup 2026 set for December at Kennedy Center

President Trump and FIFA's Infantino announce the World Cup 2026 Final Draw for December 5, 2025, at Washington's Kennedy Center, determining groups for the 48-team tournament.

"The world will turn its attention to Washington DC on December 5 2025 - FIFA"

New Delhi, Aug 23

The world will turn its attention to Washington DC on Friday, December 5 2025, as the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 26 takes place at the iconic Kennedy Center. The event will determine the group-stage matchups for the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, set to be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States in 2026.

The announcement was made by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, at the White House. The draw marks a major milestone on the road to the expanded 48-team tournament.

The Kennedy Center, known as America’s national cultural center and a tribute to President John F. Kennedy, will welcome team officials, ambassadors, media, and fans from the 16 Host Cities. The famed FIFA World Cup Trophy will be on display as qualified nations learn their paths to the final, to be held at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19 2026.

The draw will be broadcast globally. Host nations Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. will be placed in positions A1, B1, and D1 respectively.

Leading up to the tournament, a new FIFA play-off tournament in March 2026 will decide the final two World Cup spots. So far, 13 teams have qualified, including champions Argentina and debutants Jordan and Uzbekistan. By the time of the draw, 42 of the 48 teams will be confirmed.

In a first for FIFA, fans from each Host City—11 in the U.S., three in Mexico, and two in Canada—will have the chance to attend the draw through a special lottery offering free admission and VIP experiences.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
December 2025 feels so far away but I'm already excited! The free lottery for fans is a great initiative. Hope some Indian fans living in those host cities get lucky and attend this historic event 🎉
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Aditya G
Interesting to see Trump involved in football announcements. Hopefully the political aspects don't overshadow the sporting spirit. The expanded format with 48 teams should give more countries a chance to shine on the world stage.
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Sarah B
As someone living in Toronto, I'm thrilled Canada is co-hosting! The time difference might be challenging for Indian viewers though - most matches will be late night or early morning for us. Better start adjusting sleep schedules! âš½
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Vikram M
Jordan and Uzbekistan making their debut shows how global football is becoming. While we wait for India to qualify someday, I'll be supporting Argentina - Messi might still be playing in 2026! What an era for football lovers.
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Nikhil C
The three-host nation format is ambitious but logistically challenging. Hope the travel doesn't affect team performance. On the bright side, fans get to experience different cultures while following their teams across North America!

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