Las Vegas is poised to bring Hollywood-style flair to the football world as it prepares to host the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on December 5, according to ESPN. Although FIFA has not officially confirmed the date or venue, the event is widely expected to be held in the vibrant entertainment hub, outpacing other potential locations in Canada and Mexico—co-hosts of the tournament.
This draw will mark a major milestone in football history, unveiling the group stage for the largest World Cup ever held. The 2026 edition will feature a record-breaking 48 teams, expanding from the traditional 32, and will take place across three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament is set to begin on June 11, 2026, and will conclude with the final match on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Matches will be spread across 16 host cities, with 11 in the U.S., three in Mexico (Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara), and two in Canada (Toronto and Vancouver). FIFA has already pre-assigned the host nations to groups: Mexico in Group A, Canada in Group B, and the USA in Group D, ensuring their opening match locations are pre-determined ahead of the full draw.
The December draw will introduce 12 groups of four teams each. The top two teams from every group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to a newly added Round of 32. So far, 13 countries have qualified for the tournament, including hosts USA, Mexico, and Canada, along with football giants like Argentina, Brazil, and Japan. Newcomers Jordan and Uzbekistan will also debut. With 42 teams expected to be confirmed by December, the remaining six will qualify through intercontinental playoffs in early 2026. Placeholder slots will be used in the draw until then.
This historic event signals the beginning of a new era in global football—one of broader inclusion, increased commercial potential, and deeper global engagement.
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