2026 FIFA World Cup Draw: Full Group Breakdown as President Attends Star-Studded Ceremony in Washington
Washington, D.C., December 5, 2025 — The official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been completed, unveiling the full group lineup for the first-ever 48-team World Cup. Hosted at the iconic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the ceremony delivered more than just football pairings — it combined global politics, star power, entertainment, and a surprise award that dominated headlines worldwide.
The event marked a historic moment as the United States, Canada, and Mexico prepare to co-host the most expansive World Cup in history.
A Historic, Star-Packed Ceremony: Presidents, Celebrities & Global Icons
This year’s World Cup draw went beyond the usual sporting tradition, transforming into a red-carpet global spectacle.
World Leaders in Attendance
The ceremony welcomed top officials from all three host nations, including:
-
U.S. President Donald J. Trump
-
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum
-
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney
Their presence underscored the geopolitical and cultural significance of the 2026 World Cup.
President Trump Receives FIFA Peace Prize
In a moment that stole global attention, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented President Donald Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize — a new award recognizing diplomatic efforts related to international sports cooperation.
The award became the biggest headline of the evening, sparking worldwide discussion and cementing the 2026 draw as one of the most politically charged in history.
Full Group Draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Group A
-
Mexico
-
South Africa
-
South Korea
-
Winner Play-off D
Group B
-
Canada
-
Winner Play-off A
-
Qatar
-
Switzerland
Group C
-
Brazil
-
Morocco
-
Haiti
-
Scotland
Group D
-
United States
-
Paraguay
-
Australia
-
Winner Play-off C
Group E
-
Germany
-
Curaçao
-
Ivory Coast
-
Ecuador
Group F
-
Netherlands
-
Japan
-
Winner Play-off B
-
Tunisia
Group G
-
Belgium
-
Egypt
-
Iran
-
New Zealand
Group H
-
Spain
-
Cape Verde
-
Saudi Arabia
-
Uruguay
Group I
-
France
-
Senegal
-
Winner Play-off 2
-
Norway
Group J
-
Argentina
-
Algeria
-
Austria
-
Jordan
Group K
-
Portugal
-
Winner Play-off 1
-
Colombia
-
Uzbekistan
Group L
-
England
-
Croatia
-
Panama
-
Ghana
Celebrities & Football Legends Light Up the Event
The draw featured a lineup usually reserved for award shows:
-
Hosts: Heidi Klum & Kevin Hart
-
Guest Presenter: Actor Danny Ramirez
-
Performances by: Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, Andrea Bocelli, and the legendary Village People
-
Sports Icons on Stage: Rio Ferdinand, Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Shaquille O’Neal, and more
The combination of entertainment giants and sports legends gave the ceremony unprecedented global appeal.
Also Read: Top Scorers In FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Ronaldo’s 2nd, Lewandowski’s 4th
What Comes Next?
With all 12 groups officially set, national teams now begin final preparations—planning camps, friendlies, logistics, and scouting their opponents. The expanded format means the top teams from each group, plus select third-place finishers, will advance into the knockout rounds.
The world now turns its attention to June 2026, when the biggest, most diverse World Cup ever staged will kick off across Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
