FIFA has finalized the seeding and procedures for the 2026 World Cup draw, introducing significant changes for favorites and co-hosts. Notably, the tournament will be divided into two “paths,” ensuring that top teams like Spain and Argentina are placed in opposite halves of the knockout stage. This arrangement prevents them from facing each other until the finals.
The group match order for co-hosts—United States, Canada, and Mexico—is predetermined. For instance, the U.S. will start with a Pot 3 team, facing Pot 2 and Pot 4 teams in subsequent matches. All pots are based on FIFA rankings, with 42 teams already qualified, while six spots will be filled through playoffs, placing playoff teams in Pot 4.
Historically, pots were determined by geography, but the current method prioritizes rankings. The decision to place playoff teams in Pot 4 aims to reward those who qualified directly, although this may lead to uneven group strengths.
The draw is set for December 5, with the World Cup schedule to follow shortly after. FIFA’s new structure ensures that top teams like Spain and Argentina are kept apart until the latter stages of the tournament, increasing the stakes and potential matchups in the knockout rounds.
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