The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching next summer — but first, the ceremonial pomp of the World Cup draw is heading our way.
MORE — Preview of World Cup draw | World Cup predictions | World Cup venues: Cities & stadiums
More than six months before the first ball is kicked in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the whole world will watch with bated breath as the groups are drawn and the fixture list filled in live.
The draw, as well as all 104 matches of the tournament proper, will be streaming live on Peacock (including pre-shows, gap shows and post-shows) and all matches also airing on Telemundo and Universo.
When, and where, will the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw be held?
The 2026 World Cup draw will take place at 12 pm ET on Friday, Dec. 5, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Mexico, as the host nation playing in the first game of the tournament (in Mexico City) on June 11, has already been automatically placed in Group A. Canada will play in game No. 2 (in Toronto) and has been placed in Group B. The USMNT will play game No. 3 and has been placed in Group D.
The draw will air on Telemundo and stream on Peacock with our programming running from 10am – 3pm ET.
How to watch the 2026 World Cup draw, stream live
Event time: 12 pm ET
Watchalong: NBC Sports’ YouTube
Streaming: Peacock (en Espanol)
Venue: Kennedy Center — Washington, D.C.
How many teams will qualify for this World Cup, and how do the groups work?
For the first time ever, 48 teams will qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Originally slated to have 16 groups of just three teams, FIFA later changed course and returned to the four-team group format, now with 12 groups instead of the longtime eight.
Who has already qualified for the World Cup?
For the full list of teams that have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, click here.
For the latest on how the final six teams will qualify via the inter-confederation and UEFA playoffs, click here.
