FIFA Unveils When and Where 2026 World Cup Group Stage Draw Will Take Place

With less than twelve months remaining until kickoff, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is rapidly approaching. FIFA has allegedly chosen both the date and venue for the World Cup draw ceremony as anticipation among supporters continues to grow.

Based on reporting from TUDN'Mexico, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw ceremony is scheduled for Las Vegas on December 5, 2025. Although the city won't be hosting any matches during the actual competition, Las Vegas has apparently been chosen to host the draw event. The Sphere, among the city's most recent iconic structures, will serve as the venue for this occasion.

FIFA had previously announced plans for the World Cup group stage draw to occur in December. The Athletic had reported Las Vegas as a leading contender to host the ceremony, alongside Washington D.C.

This will mark the inaugural World Cup draw that determines the fate of the enlarged 48-team format for the competition. It will also represent the first-ever draw for a World Cup featuring three host nations, as the United States, Canada, and Mexico jointly host football's premier tournament.

During the draw, all 48 countries will discover their World Cup group stage adversaries, with 12 groups containing four nations each being selected, along with the specific sequence of every match in the tournament's initial phase.

Currently, 13 countries have secured their places in the 2026 World Cup, while the remaining 35 spots will be decided before the draw takes place.

Las Vegas previously served as the host city for the 1994 World Cup draw. It appears poised to fulfill this role once more.