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2026 World Cup draw set for December 4 with star-studded Washington ceremony

A historic tournament kicks off with glitz and strategy. From France's heat concerns to Trump's attendance, the stage is set for football's biggest spectacle yet.

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2 min read
The image shows a large crowd of people standing in front of a soccer field, with some sitting on...
The image shows a large crowd of people standing in front of a soccer field, with some sitting on chairs and others standing on the ground. There is a fence surrounding the field, and in the background there are hills and a clear blue sky. This image captures the excitement of the 2019 African Cup of Nations, with the people in the stands eagerly awaiting the start of the match.

2026 World Cup draw set for December 4 with star-studded Washington ceremony

The 2026 World Cup draw will take place in Washington on December 4, 2025, with a star-studded ceremony featuring names like Heidi Klum, Kevin Hart, and Robbie Williams. The expanded tournament, now including 48 nations, will run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. A separate event the following day will confirm stadium assignments and kickoff times for all matches. France's national team has already sent a delegation to assess locations in the host countries ahead of the draw. Manager Didier Deschamps has made clear his preference to avoid the central region of the host territory, citing concerns over extreme heat and the impact of time differences on player performance. Securing top spot in their group will also be a priority, as it could help them avoid powerhouses like Spain, Argentina, or England until the semifinals.

The draw ceremony itself is expected to attract high-profile attendees, including former US President Donald Trump. Alongside international stars such as Andrea Bocelli and Rio Ferdinand, the event will also feature a performance by the Village People. Meanwhile, visa policies may make travel easier for European supporters compared to fans from regions like Iran or Haiti. The tournament will mark the first time 48 teams compete in a World Cup. The US, Mexico, and Canada will share hosting duties, with Mexico and Canada each staging 20 group-stage matches. While partial schedules for the group phase have been released, specific stadiums and Saturday fixtures remain unconfirmed until the December 5 ceremony.

The draw will set the stage for a historic tournament, with 48 nations competing over 39 days. France's preparations include scouting locations and strategising to avoid tougher opponents early on. Final details on venues and match times will be locked in just one day after the draw.

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