Last Updated:
FIFA has confirmed that Spain, Argentina, France, and England will be in separate halves for the 2026 World Cup draw, with the event set for December 5.
The top four nations are in Pot 1, alongside the three host nations – Canada, Mexico, and the United States. (AP Photo)
FIFA announced on Tuesday that the top four seeded nations for the 2026 World Cup will be placed in separate halves of the draw for the expanded 48-team tournament, ensuring they avoid each other until the semifinal stage. Top-ranked Spain and current World Cup holders Argentina, the second seeds, will be drawn into opposite halves, as will third-ranked France and world number four England.
This arrangement guarantees that, should they both win their groups, the two highest-ranked teams will not meet until the final.
On the same day, FIFA also revealed the four pots for the 48 qualified teams, along with the procedures for the World Cup draw, which is set for December 5 at 1700 GMT in Washington DC.
The top four nations are in Pot 1, alongside the three host nations – Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The draw will begin with the 12 teams in Pot 1, including Germany, who narrowly retained their seeded status. The process will then continue with Pots 2, 3, and 4, respectively, as outlined by FIFA.
Six World Cup spots remain open for 18 nations still competing in the play-offs in March.
Italy, four-time World Cup winners and 12th in the FIFA rankings, are in the play-offs and could be placed in Pot 4 if they qualify.
Debutants Uzbekistan are in Pot 3, while fellow first-timers Jordan, Cape Verde, and Curacao are in Pot 4.
- Pot 1: Canada, Mexico, United States, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany
- Pot 2: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Iran, South Korea, Ecuador, Austria, Australia
- Pot 3: Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Uzbekistan, Qatar, South Africa
- Pot 4: Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curacao, Haiti, New Zealand, European playoff winners A, B, C and D, Inter-confederation playoff winners 1 and 2
With AFP Inputs
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital…Read More
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital… Read More
November 26, 2025, 09:20 IST
Read More