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What is happening with the World Cup draw?

Asked 1 hour ago

Answer

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw is set at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., featuring an expanded 48-team format. The draw determines groupings and matchups, with notable hosts and sports figures participating. Iran has withdrawn due to U.S. visa denials. The event is highly anticipated, especially for co-hosts Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., and introduces new draw procedures to ensure top seeds avoid each other until semifinals.

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Al Jazeera

2026 World Cup draw kicks off soon

Al Jazeera · Just In
Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera
Just In
  • World Cup expands to 48 teams in 12 groups of four
  • Teams sorted into four pots based on world rankings 8s
  • Co-hosts Mexico, Canada, USA join top nine in pot one 13s
  • FIFA uses new bracket to keep top four seeds apart until semifinals 57s
  • Draw process could take up to an hour due to expanded format 1m 12s

References

2026 World Cup draw kicks off soon
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Al Jazeera
2 hours ago
2026 World Cup draw kicks off soon

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams in 12 groups of four, with teams sorted into four pots by world rankings. A tennis-style bracket system ensures top seeds cannot meet before semifinals.

Best- and worst-case scenarios for Canada’s World Cup draw
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CBC News
3 hours ago
Best- and worst-case scenarios for Canada’s World Cup draw

A draw held Friday in Washington will determine the groups and match-ups for the opening round, with Canada, Mexico, and the United States as hosts in the expanded 48-team tournament.

Rio Ferdinand to host 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026 draw in D.C.
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SNTV
19 hours ago
Rio Ferdinand to host 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026 draw in D.C.

Rio Ferdinand, former England captain, is preparing to host the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw in Washington, D.C., marking the first time the tournament features 48 teams.

World Cup 2026 draw to be held at Kennedy Center with Trump attending
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SNTV
23 hours ago
World Cup 2026 draw to be held at Kennedy Center with Trump attending

The World Cup 2026 draw takes place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, with President Trump attending as officials announce team locations across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Iran withdraws from World Cup draw in D.C. after U.S. visa denial
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SNTV
7 days ago
Iran withdraws from World Cup draw in D.C. after U.S. visa denial

Iran is pulling out of next week's World Cup draw in Washington after the U.S. denied visas to several delegation members, linked to the travel ban on citizens from 12 countries.

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