The stage for the expanded FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, was officially set last night during the Final Draw ceremony held in Washington, D.C.
The event not only determined the group stage matchups for the 42 qualified teams but was also marked by several high-profile announcements.
World Cup 2026 Groups Set: The draw established the groups for the massive 48-team tournament, initiating the countdown to kick-off.
In a significant move, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump.
The award recognizes individuals who leverage their platforms to promote peace and unity, with Trump being cited for his efforts to foster dialogue and de-escalate global tensions.
An updated match schedule for the tournament is slated to be unveiled live today, Saturday, December 6, 2025. Meanwhile, the next phase of ticket sales, the “Random Selection Draw,” is scheduled to begin soon via the official FIFA.com/tickets portal.
New Partnerships and Global Initiatives
FIFA also announced new collaborations, including a partnership with LEGO Group for a life-size replica of the official World Cup Trophy and a major multi-tournament partnership with accommodation provider Airbnb.
These announcements follow other recent FIFA decisions, including the confirmation of Saudi Arabia as the host for the FIFA World Cup 2034 and the expansion of the FIFA Series 2026 for national teams.
Furthermore, FIFA reaffirmed its global outreach through the Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to raise $100 million for worldwide education and football access for children.
