The Spotlight Shifts to Las Vegas for FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw
Las Vegas, a city famous for its bright lights and big bets, is stepping into the global football limelight. FIFA has announced the city will host the 2026 World Cup draw in December 2025, turning the famous Strip into the nerve center of the world's biggest sporting event. Moving the draw to the U.S. is a statement—FIFA is ready to make the most of the American co-hosting opportunity by bringing fans, sponsors, and media to a truly iconic venue.
This isn't just any World Cup. With the expansion from 32 to 48 teams, this edition will see more nations than ever before fighting for football's biggest prize. Las Vegas gets to set the scene, handing out the fate of teams from all corners of the globe and launching predictions, debates, and strategies that will fill headlines and airwaves in the months running up to kick-off.
The draw happens after a year packed with tension and action as national teams battle through qualification campaigns around the world. For Europe, 16 teams will secure their spots through group stages and playoffs, but similar scenes of glory—and heartbreak—will play out in Africa, Asia, Oceania, South America, and North America. On top of that, the expanded format means new faces will get their first taste of football on its grandest stage, pushing the sport’s reach even further.
How the Draw Shapes the Tournament—And Why It’s a Can't-Miss Event
The Las Vegas draw will determine which teams face each other in the group stages. While FIFA hasn’t revealed the precise mechanics for this massive draw, we know it will involve 48 countries, including host nations— the United States, Canada, and Mexico—plus the rest who make it through their regional qualifiers or the tricky inter-confederation playoffs. Expect drama and suspense: the draw can turn dark horses into group favorites or place giants head-to-head right from the start.
For fans and teams alike, the draw is much more than ceremonial. Coaches and players will pore over their potential opponents, sizing up strategies and planning friendly games to prepare. Journalists and supporters will speculate endlessly on the so-called ‘groups of death’ or identify easier paths to the knockout stages. The expanded format also means more matches, more logistics for organizers, and a new wave of excitement for cities set to host their first World Cup games.
By heading to Las Vegas for this high-octane event, FIFA is doubling down on its push to grow soccer’s profile in the United States. The draw may just be the start—expect a wave of fan festivals, sponsor events, and cultural celebrations as the tournament build-up gains pace. One thing is certain: come December 2025, the eyes of the football world will be fixed firmly on Vegas to see how the road to World Cup glory will be mapped out.