The road to the biggest World Cup in history is getting shorter, and football fans everywhere are buzzing with anticipation. As qualifying campaigns heat up, the focus is now shifting to the main event that will shape the tournament's landscape: the official 2026 FIFA World Cup draw.
If you’re a fan anxiously searching for the 2026 World Cup draw time or the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw date and time, you've come to the right place. This post gives you all the key information you need.
What Date is the 2026 World Cup Draw?
The official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled for Friday, December 5, 2025.
What Time is the 2026 World Cup Draw?
The draw ceremony will take place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., USA.
For fans across the globe, here's a detailed time breakdown:
- Washington, D.C., USA: 12:00 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time)
- London, UK: 5:00 PM GMT
- Central Europe: 6:00 PM CET
- Rabat, Morocco: 6:00 PM CET (Your local time!)
If you're looking for the 2026 World Cup draw Europe time, the ceremony is set for 18:00 CET, so mark your calendars!
The Draw for the Group Stage
This is the event everyone is waiting for. The 2026 World Cup group stage draw time will be a defining moment as it determines the 12 groups of four teams for the tournament. With the expansion to 48 teams, the draw will be bigger and more crucial than ever, setting the stage for the initial matchups of the competition.
What About the UEFA Qualifying Draw?
It's important to differentiate between the final tournament draw and the qualifying draws. The UEFA draw for 2026 World Cup time for the qualification groups already took place on December 13, 2024. European teams are currently in the midst of their qualifying matches to secure their place in the final tournament.
The main 2026 World Cup qualifying UEFA draw time for the final playoff stage will happen in early 2026, to determine the final few European spots.
Key Dates to Remember
- Tournament Start Date: June 11, 2026
- Tournament Final Date: July 19, 2026
Get ready to witness history! The draw is just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable tournament hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.