The 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw happens this Friday. Football fans around the globe want to know when they can watch 48 teams learn their fate for next summer’s tournament.
This guide covers everything you need. We’ll share exact start times for your location. You’ll find out who’s hosting and performing. Plus we’ll show you how to watch for free no matter where you live.
When and Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw?
The draw takes place on Friday, December 5, 2025 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
FIFA picked the nation’s capital for this ceremony. The venue won’t host any actual World Cup matches though. All 104 tournament games will happen across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
What Time Does the FIFA World Cup Draw Start?
The main ceremony begins at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.
FOX starts coverage earlier at 11:30 AM ET with a pre-show. You’ll get predictions and analysis from former players. The whole event runs about two hours and finishes around 2:00 PM ET. FOX continues with reactions and breakdowns until 3:00 PM ET.
Start Time in US Time Zones
Here’s when to watch across America:
- Eastern Time: 12:00 PM (New York, Miami, Boston)
- Central Time: 11:00 AM (Chicago, Dallas, Houston)
- Mountain Time: 10:00 AM (Denver, Phoenix)
- Pacific Time: 9:00 AM (Los Angeles, Seattle)
- Alaska Time: 8:00 AM
- Hawaii Time: 7:00 AM
West Coast fans get an early morning start with their coffee.
World Cup Draw Start Time in Different Countries
Your local start time depends on where you live:
Europe:
- United Kingdom & Ireland: 5:00 PM GMT
- Germany, France, Spain, Italy: 6:00 PM CET
Asia & Oceania:
- India: 10:30 PM IST
- Japan & South Korea: 2:00 AM (December 6)
- China: 1:00 AM (December 6)
- Sydney, Australia: 4:00 AM (December 6)
- New Zealand: 6:00 AM (December 6)
Americas:
- Brazil & Argentina: 2:00 PM
- Mexico: 11:00 AM
- Toronto, Canada: 12:00 PM
Africa & Middle East:
- South Africa: 7:00 PM
- Nigeria: 6:00 PM
- UAE: 9:00 PM
- Saudi Arabia: 8:00 PM
Who is Hosting the 2026 World Cup Draw?
FIFA assembled a star-studded hosting team for this event.
Heidi Klum returns to the World Cup draw stage. The supermodel and Emmy winner hosted the 2006 ceremony in Germany. She said coming back after 20 years feels incredible.
Kevin Hart joins as co-host. The comedian and actor brings humor to the ceremony.
Danny Ramirez completes the trio. You might know him from “Captain America: Brave New World.” He’ll interview soccer legends throughout the show. Ramirez grew up playing football and has roots in both the US and Mexico.
Performers at the FIFA World Cup Draw
The entertainment lineup rivals a major awards show.
Andrea Bocelli performs first. The Italian tenor is one of classical music’s greatest voices.
Robbie Williams teams up with Nicole Scherzinger for a performance. Williams serves as a FIFA ambassador. Scherzinger brings her powerhouse vocals and Tony Award background.
The Village People close the show with “Y.M.C.A.” The disco legends will perform their global hit after the draw finishes.
Sports icons help with the draw too. Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Wayne Gretzky, and Aaron Judge will pull teams from the pots. Former England defender Rio Ferdinand and broadcaster Samantha Johnson conduct the proceedings.
How to Watch the 2026 World Cup Draw Live
You have many ways to watch. Several options are completely free.
United States
English Coverage:
- TV: FOX (pre-show starts 11:30 AM ET)
- Streaming: FOX Sports App, FOXSports.com, Fubo, DirecTV
Spanish Coverage:
- TV: Telemundo and Universo
- Streaming: Peacock
United Kingdom & Ireland
The BBC provides free coverage:
- TV: BBC main channel
- Online: BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website
- Radio: BBC Radio 5 Live
Other Countries
- Canada: Peacock (Spanish), TSN, Sportsnet
- Australia: SBS, SBS VICELAND, SBS On Demand (all free)
- Germany: ARD, ZDF, MagentaTV
- France: TF1, beIN Sports
- Spain: RTVE, Movistar+
- Italy: RAI, Sky Sport
- India: Sports18, JioCinema
- Japan: NHK, Fuji TV
- Mexico: Televisa, TV Azteca
- Brazil: Globo, SporTV
Free Options Worldwide
These work anywhere:
- FIFA.com (free streaming, no login needed)
- FIFA+ App (mobile and tablet)
- FIFA World Cup YouTube Channel
- FIFA Facebook and Twitter pages
Visit FIFA.com before December 5 for a complete broadcaster list.
What Happens at the World Cup Draw?
FIFA divides 48 teams into 12 groups of 4 teams each. Teams are sorted into four pots based on world rankings.
The three host nations already have their spots. Mexico goes in Group A. Canada takes Group B. USA gets Group D.
The top four ranked teams face special rules. Spain, Argentina, France, and England can’t meet until the semifinals. This assumes they win their groups first.
Other rules matter too. Groups can’t have more than two European teams. Teams from the same continent usually stay separate.
Six playoff spots remain open. Those matches happen in March 2026. These teams still get placeholder spots in Pot 4 during Friday’s draw.
FIFA announces the full schedule on Saturday, December 6. You’ll see exact match times and stadium assignments for all 104 games.
FIFA World Cup Draw 2026 FAQs
Will Trump attend the World Cup 2026 Final Draw?
President Trump plans to attend. He made the World Cup a major part of his presidency. FIFA President Gianni Infantino may present Trump with FIFA’s new Peace Prize during the ceremony.
Why are the Village People performing at the World Cup Draw?
“Y.M.C.A.” plays at Trump’s rallies regularly. The Village People performed it live with Trump at an event before his inauguration. FIFA picked them knowing Trump will attend.
How long will the draw last?
Plan for two hours from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET. FOX continues coverage until 3:00 PM ET.
When will we know the full match schedule?
Saturday, December 6. FIFA announces when and where every match happens.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
48 teams compete. This marks a big jump from the 32-team format used since 1998.
Friday, December 5 at noon Eastern Time changes everything for 48 nations. Some team will draw the toughest group. Some underdog will get a dream matchup. Fans everywhere will spend the next seven months debating who got lucky. The draw marks the real start of World Cup excitement. Set your alarm and don’t miss it.
