World Cup 2026 draw: which teams have qualified and how does it work?

Fifa's World Cup Draw: Who's In, How Does It Work, and What About That Peace Prize?

The highly anticipated draw for the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup is set to take place on Friday December 5th at Washington DC's Kennedy Center. Fans are eager to see how the teams will be divided into groups, with a plethora of fascinating matchups expected.

So which teams have qualified for the tournament so far? The top-ranked teams from various confederations have secured spots in Pot 1, which also includes Canada, Mexico, and the United States as co-hosts. The next three pots are comprised of teams that emerged from European qualifying playoffs, while the lowest-ranked qualified teams will be relegated to Pot 4.

However, not everything is as straightforward as it seems. Teams involved in the European playoffs will find themselves in Pot 4, which means even stronger opponents await those who emerge victorious. The draw's complexity arises from factors such as team confederations, rankings, and qualification routes.

When does the actual tournament kick off? Despite some speculation about a Group of Death featuring Argentina, Morocco, Italy, and Norway, the competition is set to begin on June 11th, 2026, with the final scheduled for July 19th in New Jersey.

A peculiar element is the peace prize that will be awarded during the draw. According to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, this honor aims to recognize those who work tirelessly to bring people together and end conflicts. However, speculation suggests it may actually go to none other than Donald Trump, whose recent comments on seditious behavior have raised eyebrows.

Ultimately, the expanded World Cup promises a thrilling experience for fans worldwide, with plucky teams like Haiti, Curaçao, Cape Verde, and England vying for attention alongside more established nations.

I gotta say, I'm a bit skeptical about this whole peace prize thing . I mean, who exactly is going to be considered? All those top-ranked teams getting Pot 1 spots are basically the favorites to win anyway . But now they're being rewarded for... bringing people together and ending conflicts? It sounds like FIFA's just trying to buy some PR . And if Donald Trump does end up winning it, I'm gonna need a strong cup of coffee ️ to process that . Can't say I trust this "peace prize" hype yet .

The peace prize thingy got me thinking... what's the real value of recognition in today's world? Is it just a pat on the back or is it something that actually sparks change? I mean, don't get me wrong, having someone acknowledge your efforts can be super motivating, but if we're being honest with ourselves, how many of us are truly willing to make some serious lifestyle changes to end conflicts and bring people together? We need more than just a prize, we need real commitment & action

I'm both excited and skeptical about this year's expanded FIFA World Cup . On one hand, the increased number of participating teams will undoubtedly lead to some thrilling matchups and a more diverse range of cultures on display. However, I do wonder whether the draw process has been sufficiently simplified to avoid undue complexity for fans. With Pot 1 consisting of the top-ranked teams and co-hosts, I'm curious to see how this will impact the overall competition.

I also have my doubts about the Peace Prize . While it's heartening that FIFA is recognizing efforts to promote unity and peace, I think it would be wiser for them to focus on more tangible achievements rather than speculative recipients like Donald Trump. Ultimately, though, I'm looking forward to a captivating tournament that brings nations together in the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play

OMG, did u see the team rankings? Top 4 Pot 1 has like 15 teams, while Pot 3 has only 6! The European playoffs have created some juicy matchups tho, especially with Greece vs England in group C . Meanwhile, the peace prize is still a total mystery... what r we gonna believe about Trump getting it? Guess we'll just have to wait for Dec 5th and see how the draw goes!

This expansion of the FIFA World Cup is wild, I mean who would've thought we'd have 48 teams competing? The drama around that peace prize though... let's keep fingers crossed it doesn't go to Donald Trump and actually benefits someone who makes a positive impact on people. On the other hand, the European playoff thing is like a wild card - you're basically giving the top seeds a tough road ahead . Either way, June 11th can't come soon enough! And can we talk about how hyped I am for England's chances?

omg i cant wait for the draw lol idk if trump is serious tho isnt that prize meant 4 someone who actually does good in the world?? also can u imagine argentina morocco italy and norway in the same group it would be insane

I'm so excited about the FIFA World Cup draw ! It's gonna be wild with all those teams competing against each other. I wonder how they'll actually divide them into groups - it sounds like a right old mess! But in a good way, you know? And that peace prize thing is really interesting... I don't think Trump would win it, he'd probably just stir up more trouble . But seriously, the expanded World Cup is gonna bring so many new teams to the table, like Haiti and Curaçao - they're always on the edge of upsetting the favorites. Should be a real nail-biter!

Ugh, can you believe it's already time for the World Cup again ?! I remember when it was just 32 teams, now they've got to expand it to 48? It's gonna be crazy! And Pot 4 with all those European playoff winners... it's like a whole different tournament in there . And don't even get me started on the peace prize thingy... what's up with that, FIFA?! It's gotta go to someone who actually deserves it, not just some random rich guy making headlines . I mean, I know Donald Trump is all over the news, but come on! Can't they think of anyone else? Anyway, can't wait for the draw to see how everything shakes out... should be some juicy matchups!

omg u guys i cant even wait 4 dis draw!!! i mean, i know some ppl r speculating about that peace prize thingy... and yeah, i get it. don't wanna see anyone, especially the trump fam, gettin all that glory lol but like, i guess its cool 2c them honorin people whos workin hard 2 bring ppl together.

anywayz, i'm low-key hyped 4 dis expansion of the world cup! it's gonna be so sick 2 c teams like haiti & curaçao makin a name 4 themselves alongside the big boys. and can u even imagine argentina & morocco goin up against each other? lets just get ready 4 some epic matches, fam!

Dude I'm so hyped for the draw but have you seen the teams that got relegated to Pot 4? Like, I feel sorry for them they gotta face stronger opponents from Euro playoffs . And what's with this peace prize thing? Sounds like FIFA trying to give a free pass to Trump, lol! "Hey we're gonna recognize someone who's basically stirring up drama and controversy" . But for real though, can't wait for the tournament to start and see some crazy matchups go down ️. England, Haiti, and Curaçao? Bring it on!

I'm so confused about this whole World Cup thing . So there's gonna be 48 teams competing? How does it even work?! I thought it was just gonna be the usual bunch of top-ranked countries... but now there are all these new teams like Haiti and Curaçao? And what's with Pot 1 and Pot 4? It sounds like some kinda complicated puzzle . I just wanna watch some good soccer and enjoy the matches, not worry about who's in which pot . And what's up with this peace prize thing? Who decides who gets it and how does it work? Is Donald Trump for real?!

so i'm not sure about this peace prize thing... it seems kinda weird that they're giving out an award right in the middle of the world cup draw . don't get me wrong, recognizing people who work to bring folks together is a good idea, but does it really have to be announced now? can't they just let it happen without all the hype?

and another thing, what's with pot 4 being for the teams that lose in the playoffs? seems like a bit of a punishment . i get that the competition is getting tougher, but does it really have to be so strict?

oh well, at least there are some new teams competing this year! canada and mexico as co-hosts is cool

Omg, I'm so hyped for the FIFA World Cup draw on Dec 5th! The teams that are gonna be in Pot 1 with Canada, Mexico, and the US are all pretty obvious, but who knows what's gonna happen when it comes to the European playoffs? It's like, these strong teams are basically already doomed to be in Pot 4 if they don't win their playoff matches, which makes it kinda nerve-wracking for them. On a more positive note tho, I love that FIFA is giving out this peace prize! It's so cool that they're recognizing people who work towards bringing ppl together and ending conflicts - fingers crossed whoever gets it is someone amazing!

can't wait to see how this whole peace prize thing plays out... I mean, who wouldn't want a trophy that's literally being handed out at the World Cup ? And seriously, 48 teams in one tournament? It's gonna be a wild ride! The teams that are actually good, like England, are stuck in Pot 3 with some pretty mediocre teams. Meanwhile, Canada and Mexico get to coast into groups because they're co-hosts . Can't wait to see which underdog team pulls off the ultimate upset... or just gets eliminated in the first round

Omg I'm so hyped for this world cup already! The draw is gonna be lit, especially with those European playoffs mixed in And what's up with the peace prize tho? Guess we'll have to keep an eye on that one to see if it actually goes to someone who deserves it. Should be interesting to see how all these teams mix and match

omg can't wait for the draw i'm curious how all the teams will be grouped together it sounds like there's gonna be some super tough matchups especially with those european playoffs winners getting stuck in pot 4 anyway, the peace prize thing is kinda interesting...i don't know if it's fair that they're giving it to someone who's been making waves with their comments i mean, wouldn't it be better to give it to actual peacemakers? still super hyped for the tournament tho! ️