Soccer fans around the world are counting down the days to one of the most exciting moments in global sports — the World Cup draw live. The highly anticipated event will determine the matchups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
This draw will officially set the stage for the biggest World Cup ever, featuring 48 national teams, 16 host cities, and more matches than ever before. The atmosphere, the suspense, and the global attention all make this a must-watch moment for fans of the beautiful game.
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When Is the World Cup Draw Live?
The World Cup draw live is set to take place in December 2025, roughly six months before the tournament kicks off in June 2026.
While FIFA has not yet confirmed the exact venue, major U.S. cities like Miami, Los Angeles, and New York City are being considered to host the ceremony. The timing is expected to be 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (9:00 a.m. Pacific) to allow fans across the globe to tune in live.
This event will be broadcast to millions of viewers worldwide, marking the official beginning of the 2026 World Cup journey.
How to Watch the World Cup Draw Live in the U.S.
If you’re watching from the United States, you’ll have plenty of options to catch the World Cup draw live — whether on TV, online, or through streaming platforms.
Here’s how to tune in:
- 📺 Fox Sports: The official English-language broadcaster in the U.S. Coverage will air live on Fox, FS1, and the Fox Sports app.
- 🌐 FIFA+: FIFA’s own digital streaming service will show the entire event live and free for viewers around the world.
- 🇪🇸 Telemundo and Peacock: For Spanish-speaking viewers, Telemundo and Peacock will offer full coverage and expert analysis.
- 📱 Social Media: FIFA’s official YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) channels will share live updates, team reactions, and behind-the-scenes moments.
No matter how you choose to watch, the draw promises an electric atmosphere filled with suspense, music, and appearances from soccer legends.
What Will Happen During the World Cup Draw
The World Cup draw live will officially determine the group-stage matchups for all 48 qualified teams. The expanded format — up from 32 teams in past tournaments — will make this the largest World Cup in history.
Here’s a breakdown of how the draw will work:
- All 48 nations will be divided into four seeding pots, based on FIFA’s latest world rankings.
- Each of the 12 groups will include one team from each pot, ensuring a fair distribution of competition levels.
- The host nations — the United States, Mexico, and Canada — will each be placed in Pot 1 and assigned to separate groups.
- Teams from the same region (except European nations) cannot be drawn into the same group.
The draw will be conducted by FIFA officials and feature appearances from former World Cup champions and soccer icons who will help pull the team names live on stage.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup: Bigger Than Ever
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be groundbreaking in nearly every way. With 48 teams, 104 matches, and three host nations, it will be the largest tournament FIFA has ever organized.
Key tournament details:
- Kickoff Date: June 11, 2026
- Final Match: July 19, 2026
- Host Countries: United States, Mexico, and Canada
- Total Host Cities: 16
The United States will host the majority of the matches, including the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Mexico’s legendary Estadio Azteca will host the opening game, marking the third time it has done so in World Cup history.
Official Host Cities and Stadiums
Here’s a full list of confirmed 2026 World Cup host cities:
United States:
- Atlanta, GA – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Boston, MA – Gillette Stadium
- Dallas, TX – AT&T Stadium
- Houston, TX – NRG Stadium
- Kansas City, MO – Arrowhead Stadium
- Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
- Miami, FL – Hard Rock Stadium
- New York/New Jersey – MetLife Stadium
- Philadelphia, PA – Lincoln Financial Field
- San Francisco Bay Area, CA – Levi’s Stadium
- Seattle, WA – Lumen Field
Mexico:
- Mexico City – Estadio Azteca
- Guadalajara – Estadio Akron
- Monterrey – Estadio BBVA
Canada:
- Toronto – BMO Field
- Vancouver – BC Place
The host cities are already preparing for massive crowds and international visitors, with stadium upgrades, fan zones, and cultural events planned around the matches.
Why the World Cup Draw Matters
The World Cup draw live is more than just a formality — it’s the moment that shapes the destiny of every competing nation. The draw decides which teams will face off in the group stage and which cities will host their matches.
For fans, it’s the first real glimpse of what’s to come:
- Dream matchups could emerge, like Brazil vs. Germany or USA vs. England.
- Smaller nations might land in “groups of death,” facing powerhouse teams early on.
- The draw also determines travel schedules, which can heavily influence team performance.
Once the draw concludes, excitement skyrockets as fans start booking tickets, planning trips, and speculating on who might make it all the way to the final.
The U.S. Men’s National Team: What’s at Stake
For the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), the 2026 World Cup will be historic. As co-hosts, the U.S. automatically qualifies and will play its group-stage matches on home turf.
Under coach Gregg Berhalter, the U.S. has built one of its most talented squads ever, featuring stars like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, and Yunus Musah. The home-field advantage, combined with passionate crowds, could propel the team to its best finish in decades.
The World Cup draw live will reveal whether the U.S. faces tough opponents from Europe or South America, or a more balanced path that could see them advance deep into the knockout rounds.
Global Excitement for the Draw
FIFA expects record-breaking global viewership for the 2026 draw, with hundreds of millions tuning in live. The expanded format brings in teams from more regions, creating fresh rivalries and storylines.
In the U.S., interest is surging. Soccer continues to grow rapidly, with record attendance in MLS, increasing youth participation, and soaring viewership for international matches. Hosting the World Cup will only accelerate that momentum.
The World Cup draw live will also generate major travel and tourism excitement. Hotels in host cities are already reporting early bookings, and fans are eagerly waiting to learn where their teams will play before finalizing travel plans.
Final Thoughts
The World Cup draw live is more than just an event — it’s the spark that lights the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For fans across the United States and the globe, it’s the moment when dreams become matchups and the road to glory truly begins.
With soccer’s biggest tournament coming to North America for the first time in decades, the excitement, pride, and anticipation couldn’t be higher.
Who do you think the U.S. will face in the group stage? Share your predictions and get ready for an unforgettable World Cup journey.