What is the visa priority program for 2026 tournament?

Priority U.S. visa interview scheduling for verified ticket holders announced Nov 17, 2025. No approval guarantee.

When is the 2026 tournament group draw?

December 5, 2025 at 17:00 GMT, livestreamed free online.

Are 2026 tournament tickets still affordable?

Cheapest remaining group-stage tickets $200–$300 after dynamic pricing. Mexico base camps are the cheapest route.

When does official ticket resale close?

Open now since October 2, 2025 – 100% safe, officially guaranteed.

Will summer heat affect the 2026 tournament?

Organizers mandate cooling breaks above 32°C WBGT and late kickoffs. 6 venues have roofs/AC.

2026 World Cup
Group Draw

December 5, 2025 • 12:00 PM EST / 17:00 GMT

Kennedy Center, Washington D.C.

Need help preparing for the tournament? Read our Complete 2026 Tournament Guide

Time Until Draw

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

Plan your World Cup 2026 trip

Match schedules, host-city guides, and where to watch — all in one place.

Explore travel guides

Draw Pots (Preliminary)

Pot 1 (Seeded)

•USA
•Canada
•Mexico
•Top FIFA ranked teams (TBD after qualifiers)

Pot 2

•To be determined after qualification concludes

Pot 3

•To be determined after qualification concludes

Pot 4

•To be determined after qualification concludes

What Happens at the Draw?

•48 teams divided into 12 groups of 4 teams each
•Groups determined by FIFA rankings and geographic distribution
•Host nations (USA, Canada, Mexico) seeded in Pot 1
•Match schedule finalized immediately after draw
•Official FIFA broadcast starting at 12:00 PM EST

Last updated: November 23, 2025

2026 World Cup
Group Draw

Time Until Draw

Plan your World Cup 2026 trip

Draw Pots (Preliminary)

Pot 1 (Seeded)

Pot 2

Pot 3

Pot 4

What Happens at the Draw?

Top 10 Questions Every Fan Wants Answered

What is FIFA PASS and does a ticket guarantee a U.S. visa?

When is my purchase slot if I applied to the lottery? (Phase 2 ongoing)

Did I get rejected or is my slot later?

How do I increase chances in the next lottery (Phase 3 post-Dec 5 draw)?

Are tickets still affordable or is this the "rich fans only" World Cup?

When does official resale open and is it safe?

Can I cross borders easily with tickets (USA–Canada–Mexico)?

Will heat ruin the games (cooling breaks, late kickoffs)?

What free events/Fan Fests if I can't get tickets?

Who qualifies next and pot projections for Dec 5 draw?

2026 World CupGroup Draw

Time Until Draw

Plan your World Cup 2026 trip

Draw Pots (Preliminary)

Pot 1 (Seeded)

Pot 2

Pot 3

Pot 4

What Happens at the Draw?

Top 10 Questions Every Fan Wants Answered

What is FIFA PASS and does a ticket guarantee a U.S. visa?

When is my purchase slot if I applied to the lottery? (Phase 2 ongoing)

Did I get rejected or is my slot later?

How do I increase chances in the next lottery (Phase 3 post-Dec 5 draw)?

Are tickets still affordable or is this the "rich fans only" World Cup?

When does official resale open and is it safe?

Can I cross borders easily with tickets (USA–Canada–Mexico)?

Will heat ruin the games (cooling breaks, late kickoffs)?

What free events/Fan Fests if I can't get tickets?

Who qualifies next and pot projections for Dec 5 draw?

2026 World Cup
Group Draw