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2026 FIFA World Cup Group Draw Set for July 20: Live Coverage Across North America

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 6:36 GMT by Sporting News

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When the 2026 World Cup Group Draw Goes Live – Start Times, Where to Watch, and All the Details You Need

The long‑awaited 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to break new ground, not only because it will be co‑hosted by three North American nations—Canada, the United States, and Mexico—but also because the tournament will feature a historic 48‑team format and a global media push that reaches every corner of the planet. For fans everywhere, the pivotal moment of the draw – the moment when the 12 groups of four teams are announced – is a must‑watch event. Below is a comprehensive overview of when the draw will take place, how you can tune in from Canada and beyond, and what to expect from the broadcast and streaming options.

The Big Date: 20 July 2026

• Event: FIFA Men's World Cup 2026 Group Draw
• Date: 20 July 2026
• Time: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) – 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time (PT) – 10:00 p.m. Central European Time (CET)
• Venue: While FIFA has not publicly disclosed the exact location, early reports suggest a ceremony in a major North American stadium—likely in the United States or Canada—to accommodate the event’s international audience.

This will be the first time the draw is held in North America, and the timing reflects FIFA’s intention to capture a global audience, with live coverage that dovetails into prime time slots in North America and early evening in Europe.

How the Draw Works: A Quick Primer

The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 national teams grouped into 12 groups of four. The groups are seeded based on FIFA rankings and the “pot system” that ensures balanced competition:

1. Host Nations: Canada, the United States, and Mexico are automatically assigned to Group A, B, and C respectively, in predetermined positions.
2. Ranking Pots: The remaining 45 teams are distributed across four pots. Pot 1 includes the top 12 teams, Pot 2 the next 12, and so forth.
3. Drawing Process: Teams are drawn sequentially from each pot to fill the 12 groups. The draw is conducted under strict FIFA regulations to prevent early conflicts between host nations and to maintain competitive balance.

During the ceremony, a global commentator (often a former FIFA ambassador or renowned former player) will provide live commentary, explaining each placement and teasing the implications for upcoming qualifiers.

Where to Watch in Canada

Traditional Broadcast – Global TV

In Canada, the draw will air on Global TV, the national broadcaster that traditionally holds the Canadian rights to major sporting events. The show will run on a local Global station that covers the host city (likely Toronto or Vancouver), and will be simulcast nationwide through the Global network. Viewers can tune in on their local TV boxes or via Global’s online streaming portal, which offers a live stream for cable and satellite subscribers.

Cable & Streaming – Sportsnet Now

Sportsnet Now, the digital arm of the Sportsnet network, will provide a simultaneous stream for subscribers. The platform typically offers an ad‑free experience for premium subscribers, but a free, ad‑supported version is also available. Sportsnet is renowned for its sports coverage and will feature a dedicated studio team that includes former players and analysts.

Streaming on FIFA’s Official Site

Fans who prefer an international feed can access the draw live via FIFA’s official website. The site hosts a high‑definition stream with multi‑language commentary, including English, French, Spanish, Arabic, and several other languages. FIFA’s stream is free, but requires a stable internet connection and a modern browser.

The United States: NBCUniversal’s Broadcast

In the United States, the draw will be broadcast by NBCUniversal’s sports arm (NBC Sports). The event will appear on NBC’s main channel with live commentary from NBC’s flagship sports crew, which often features former players and high‑profile analysts. Fans can also catch the stream on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, which offers a free tier with ads and a premium tier that removes them. This makes it accessible to a wide audience, whether they have a cable subscription or prefer an online-only experience.

Mexico: ESPN and Televisa

In Mexico, ESPN MX and Televisa Deportes hold the broadcast rights for the World Cup draw. The event will air on ESPN's premium sports channel, with live commentary in Spanish. The draw is scheduled to coincide with the Mexican prime‑time slot (roughly 6–7 p.m. local time). In addition, the ESPN app offers a live stream that can be accessed on smartphones, tablets, or via a web browser. Televisa Deportes often supplements the broadcast with a second commentary track in Spanish for fans who prefer local commentary.

International Streaming Options

• FIFA’s Official App: The FIFA mobile app, available on iOS and Android, offers live streaming of the draw with real‑time score updates, live statistics, and multi‑language commentary.
• YouTube Live: FIFA also uploads a live stream to its YouTube channel, providing a free, globally accessible option that includes live chat and community engagement.
• Twitter Live: For a more social media‑centric experience, FIFA sometimes partners with Twitter to offer a “live‑tweet” feed during the draw, including live commentary and behind‑the‑scenes footage.

Why the 2026 Draw Matters

The group draw does more than just split teams into brackets. It shapes:

• Travel logistics for teams and fans, as the first matches in the tournament will be held in multiple cities across North America.
• Commercial planning for broadcasters, sponsors, and sponsors’ events.
• Strategic matchups that can influence how teams approach qualifiers and friendlies in the years leading up to the tournament.

Because of these wide‑ranging implications, the draw is not just a ceremonial event; it’s a logistical cornerstone for the entire World Cup ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Draw, mark your calendar for 20 July 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Depending on where you live, you can catch the draw on:

• Global TV (Canada)
• NBC Sports (USA)
• ESPN (Mexico)
• FIFA’s official website/app (international)

In addition, if you’re a fan of the digital era, you can stream the event via Peacock, Sportsnet Now, ESPN’s mobile app, or FIFA’s official streaming channels. With 48 teams, 12 groups, and a global audience in mind, this draw will be a historic moment for soccer lovers worldwide. Stay tuned, gather your friends, and celebrate the start of a new chapter in World Cup history.