FIFA has outlined the comprehensive seeding and draw mechanics for the expanded 2026 World Cup, revealing strategic protections for top-ranked nations and the complex structure for the unprecedented 48-team tournament.
The draw is scheduled for December 5 in Washington, where 48 nations will be allocated into 12 groups of four teams each for the first time in World Cup history.
Portugal has been confirmed as a Pot 1 team, joining the three host nations – the United States, Mexico, and Canada – and other global football powerhouses. This ensures they will avoid facing top contenders such as Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany in the initial group stage.
A key protection for top seeds dictates that the four highest-ranked teams will be placed into opposite semi-final paths. FIFA stated that “the first [Spain] and second [Argentina] will be randomly drawn into opposite paths. The same principle will apply to the third [France] and fourth [England].”
The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Mexico will automatically occupy Group A1, Canada Group B1, and the United States Group D1.
The seeding for the remaining 39 qualified countries is based on the latest FIFA ranking, updated on November 19. Portugal holds the sixth position globally, behind Spain, Argentina, France, England, and Brazil.
FIFA’s draw protocols include strict confederation restrictions to ensure balanced groups. Generally, no group will feature more than one team from the same confederation, with the exception of UEFA. Due to Europe’s 16 participating teams, each group must contain at least one, but no more than two, UEFA nations.
Pot 2 includes nations like Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, and Uruguay. Pot 3 features teams such as Norway, Egypt, and Tunisia.
Pot 4 is currently half-filled with teams including debutants Jordan, Cape Verde, and Curaçao, alongside Ghana, Haiti, and New Zealand. The remaining six slots will be determined by playoff winners in March 2026.
These playoffs involve 22 teams vying for four European berths and two intercontinental spots, with Italy—who missed the last two World Cups—among the contenders.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington will host the draw. FIFA is expected to publish the updated match schedule, including specific stadium assignments and kickoff times, on December 6.