The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw took place on December 5 in Washington D.C., assigning 48 teams to 12 groups for the expanded tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. President Donald Trump received FIFA's inaugural Peace Prize during the ceremony, amid controversy over its timing and legitimacy. The full schedule, featuring 104 matches from June 11 to July 19, highlights key fixtures like USA vs. Paraguay in Los Angeles.
The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolded at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on December 5, 2025, setting the stage for the largest edition of the tournament with 48 teams divided into 12 groups. Hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the event will span 16 cities and include 104 matches, starting June 11 in Mexico City and Guadalajara, and concluding with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
During the ceremony, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented U.S. President Donald Trump with the organization's newly created Peace Prize, honoring his "commitment to peace and unity." The award, announced shortly after Trump missed out on the Nobel Peace Prize, drew criticism for its lack of transparency and perceived flattery. Infantino praised Trump as a "close friend," while White House spokesperson Davis Ingle defended it as recognition of his foreign policy. Critics, including on 'The View,' mocked the prize, with hosts handing out fake medals in satire.
Key group highlights include the U.S. in Group D with Paraguay, Australia, and a UEFA playoff winner; Argentina in Group J facing Algeria, Austria, and Jordan; and England in Group L against Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are expected to feature, with Messi aiming for a second title at age 39 and Ronaldo targeting a final World Cup appearance.
FIFA also announced mandatory three-minute hydration breaks at the 22-minute mark of each half for all matches, prioritizing player safety amid heat concerns from the 2025 Club World Cup. Ticket sales continue via lottery, with warnings about scams in host cities like Houston, where prices start at $205 but resale can exceed $1,000. The draw positions favorites like France, Spain, and Brazil favorably, while debutants Curaçao, Cape Verde, Jordan, and Uzbekistan add intrigue.
