World Cup 2026 draw set for Dec 5; expanded 48-team format increases volatility. Betting edge: favour top-seeded nations from Pot 1 to progress from groups and target shorter-priced match/futures on established powers, while selectively backing Pot 4 underdogs for upset value in group games and third-place advancement markets.
World Cup 2026 draw confirmed: when and where
The World Cup 2026 draw takes place on Friday, December 5 at 12:00pm ET at the Kennedy Center in Washington. Hosts USA, Canada and Mexico headline an expanded 48-team tournament running from June 11 to July 19.
How the expanded 48-team format works
The 2026 finals will feature 48 nations split into 12 groups of four. Teams are drawn from four pots, with each group containing one team from each pot. After three group matches, the top two teams from each group advance to the last 32, joined by the eight best third-placed teams. From there a straight knockout bracket determines the champion.
Seeding rules and continental restrictions
Pot 1 includes the three host nations plus the highest nine qualified teams in the FIFA rankings. Confederation rules prevent teams from the same continent being drawn together, except for Europe where a maximum of two European teams can share a group.
Qualified teams and pot allocations
Pot 1
Canada, Mexico, USA, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany
Pot 2
Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Iran, Korea Republic, Ecuador, Austria, Australia
Pot 3
Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa
Pot 4
Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curacao, Haiti, New Zealand, European Play-Off A, European Play-Off B, European Play-Off C, European Play-Off D, FIFA Play-Off Tournament 1, FIFA Play-Off Tournament 2
Playoff routes and remaining spots
Two final places will be decided by the inter-confederation play-offs, featuring teams from North America, Asia, Africa, South America and Oceania. Three additional slots will be filled via European play-offs. Those outcomes will finalize the full 48-team field ahead of the draw.
Betting implications and tactical outlook
The enlarged format increases both volatility and betting opportunities. Established Pot 1 nations remain the safest options in group and futures markets, while Pot 4 and play-off teams can offer attractive value for upset and third-place qualification markets. Punters should weigh squad depth and travel factors for host-region teams when assessing markets.
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WE are all set for the 2026 World Cup draw. USA, Canada and Mexico are sharing hosting duties for the tournament, which will run from June 11 to July 19. When is the World Cup 2026 draw and when does it start? The draw takes place on Friday, December 5 at 12pm ET time. The...
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