World Cup 2026 draw under way with nostalgic nod to Italia '90

The 2026 World Cup draw got under way with a nod to the past on Friday and though the 42 nations assured of their slot had to wait over an hour to discover their opponents, they must wait another 24 to find out where and when they will be playing.

The ceremony began at 1700GMT with a "pre-draw" show opened by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli singing Nessun Dorma - the theme to the Italia '90 World Cup.

FIFA chief Gianni Infantino then presenteda new peace prize to President Donald Trump in the name of the sport's world governing body.

Looking ahead to the expanded tournament, the biggest ever, Infantino said: "We have three beautiful countries, Mexico, Canada, and the United States. We have 16 wonderful host cities. We have 48 excellent teams who will compete in 104 matches to become the only, one and only, world champion.

"What an exciting summer from the 11th of June to the 19th of July that we will have here. This will be unique, this will be stellar, this will be spectacular."

The History of the World Cup logo 🏆

Your favourite? pic.twitter.com/CacJKQA3g8 — 90s Football (@90sfootball) May 28, 2024

A newly introduced seeding system ensures that the current top four in the world - Spain, holders Argentina, 2022 runners-up France and England - cannot meet until the semifinal stage if they win their groups.

The three host nations are all in Pot One of top seeds, along with the four above, Portugal, Brazil, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.

„Ein Sommer in Italien - WM 1990“ – Trailer zur neuen Doku https://t.co/wWUhzIC151 pic.twitter.com/FfjOr3fGBX — WELT (@welt) December 5, 2025

At the other end of the scale, Pot Four includes debutants Cape Verde, Uzbekistan, Jordan and Curacao, which, with a population of 150 000, is by far the smallest nation ever to take part in a World Cup.

Once the groups have been decided, FIFA will get to work trying to optimise venues and kickoff times relating to the various worldwide TV markets - only the three host nations know their group-stage dates and venues, with Mexico due to play the opening match on June 11.

In many cases that will lead to afternoon kickoffs in high temperatures, with lip-service about player welfare being paramount ringing as true as it did last time the US hosted the tournament in 1994 and had the Pasadena final kicking off at noon in 100-degree-plus (38 degrees Celsius) temperatures.

Venues and kickoff times will be announced in another globally broadcast event on Saturday, though even that is subject to adjustment in March once the six playoff qualification spots have been filled.