2026 FIFA World Cup Final Draw Set to Take Place in Washington DC

FIFA has announced that the final draw for the 2026 World Cup will be held on December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, marking a significant milestone in the lead-up to the prestigious tournament.

By Chris Posiano

August 23, 2025 at 12:09 AM

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FIFA has officially confirmed that the final draw for the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup will be conducted on December 5, 2025, in Washington DC. The event will take place at the iconic Kennedy Center, serving as a pivotal moment in the journey towards the largest and most captivating FIFA World Cup ever.

The announcement was made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the presence of United States President and Kennedy Center Chairman, Donald J. Trump. The Kennedy Center, known as America's national cultural center and a tribute to President John F. Kennedy, will welcome team officials, ambassadors, fans representing Host Cities, and global media representatives for the momentous draw.

During the draw, the group stage matches for the tournament will be unveiled, setting the stage for the participating national teams to vie for the prestigious title at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19 the following year. In a groundbreaking move, fans from each of the 16 Host Cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico will have the opportunity to participate in a special lottery for complimentary admission to the event, including a VIP experience.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed excitement about hosting the historic Final Draw at the cultural hub of the United States. The draw will be a key milestone in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, with various FIFA events scheduled across North America throughout the tournament year.

The draw, scheduled for 12:00 local time in Washington DC, will be broadcast globally by FIFA's Media Partners. Additionally, a play-off tournament in March next year will see nations from five confederations competing for two spots at the World Cup, while the 76th FIFA Congress is set to take place in Vancouver, Canada, on April 30.

As of now, ten nations have already secured their places in the tournament, including defending champions Argentina, Brazil, and Japan. By the time of the draw, 42 out of the 48 participating teams will be known, with the final six spots to be determined through play-off matches in March.