N※N

2026 FIFA World Cup Draw: When, Where, and How to Watch Live

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. d-cup-draw-when-where-and-how-to-watch-live.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 5th 2025 at 5:42 GMT by Sporting News

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-12-05 179 x 224 / 21648 Bytes

2025-12-05 246 x 205 / 13171 Bytes

2025-12-05 179 x 224 / 21951 Bytes

2025-12-05 180 x 224 / 20069 Bytes

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw: When, Where, and How to Watch It Live

The world’s biggest football spectacle is poised to go from excitement to reality on June 24, 2026, when FIFA will unveil the group stage for the 2026 World Cup. The draw, which will be the first of its kind since the tournament was last held in 2018, is set to be a global television event. For fans in the United States and beyond, the match‑day schedule, broadcast partners, and streaming options are all laid out by Sporting News and FIFA’s own communications. Below is a comprehensive recap of the most important details you need to know to catch the live stream, as well as background on the draw process and what makes the 2026 event unique.

1. What the 2026 World Cup Is All About

• 48 Teams, 16 Groups of Three
  The 2026 edition will expand from 32 to 48 teams, creating 16 groups. Each group will contain three teams, a change that has generated a lot of debate among fans and pundits alike. The top two from each group will advance to the knockout stage, while the third‑placed teams will be slotted into the third‑place bracket for the tournament’s ranking system.

• Tri‑Nation Hosts
  For the first time, the United States, Canada, and Mexico will share the hosting duties. This marks a historic moment for the region, and the draw will determine how the 48 nations are split across the 16 groups that will later be matched to venues in the three countries.

• Significance of the Draw
  The draw is not just a ceremonial moment; it sets the path for the entire tournament. Fans will see which national teams will face one another in the group stage, while broadcasters will schedule their coverage around the matchups.

2. Date, Time, and Where to Watch

How to Tune In (United States)

1. On CBS – The entire draw will air live on CBS in a primetime slot. A commercial break will be inserted at the start of the draw to keep it within a 90‑minute time frame.

2. Online Streaming on Paramount+ – Subscribers to Paramount+ can watch the draw live, as well as catch a “behind‑the‑scenes” recap after the event. Paramount+ also offers a “watch‑later” feature for those who miss the live broadcast.

3. Free FIFA Stream – FIFA’s own website offers a free, high‑quality stream with commentary in multiple languages. This option is available worldwide and is recommended if you are outside the U.S. or if you prefer a more interactive viewing experience.

4. Mobile Apps – The CBS Sports app and Paramount+ app both provide live streaming on mobile devices. If you want to follow the draw on the go, simply download the app and set a reminder for the start time.

3. The Draw Process Explained

A. Seeding and Pots

FIFA will use a seeding system based on recent international rankings and past performance. The 48 teams will be divided into six pots:

• Pot 1 – Includes the three host nations (United States, Canada, Mexico) and the 12 highest‑ranked teams.
• Pot 2–6 – Each pot contains eight teams, sorted by descending world ranking.

B. Group Allocation

Teams will be drawn sequentially from each pot to form the 16 groups. The process is strictly random within the pots, ensuring that each group will contain one team from Pot 1, one from Pot 2, and so on.

C. Venue Assignment

After the draw, FIFA will allocate each group to a specific venue in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico. The host nations will play in a mix of stadiums ranging from the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

4. Why the 2026 Draw Is A Must‑See

• The First Tri‑Nation Host
  Hosting the World Cup has never been a joint venture on this scale. The 2026 draw marks the beginning of a unique collaboration that could set a precedent for future tournaments.

• Expanded Format
  The 48‑team format will bring more nations to the world’s biggest football stage, increasing diversity and excitement. The draw is the moment fans get to see which countries will play against each other, shaping the narrative for the tournament.

• Economic Impact
  The draw will also influence ticket sales, merchandise, and broadcasting rights. The economic ripple effect is expected to boost the local economies in the three host cities.

5. How to Prepare for the Draw

• Set Reminders – Create a calendar event for 7:00 p.m. ET. If you’re in another time zone, use an online converter to sync the time.

• Check the Broadcast Schedule – For fans outside the U.S., consult FIFA’s official website for local streaming partners or cable providers that will carry the event.

• Follow Social Media – FIFA’s official Twitter and Instagram accounts will post live updates, behind‑the‑scenes footage, and real‑time commentary. Use the hashtag #WorldCup2026 for community conversation.

• Download the FIFA App – The official app offers push notifications for match start times, live score updates, and exclusive video content.

6. Additional Resources and Links

The Sporting News article includes several links that provide deeper insight:

• FIFA’s Official Draw Page – Detailed instructions for watching the live stream in your region, as well as the full list of teams and seeding pots.
• Historical Draws Archive – A PDF of previous World Cup draws (1998–2018) for context.
• Host Stadium Information – A map of the 2026 venues, including capacity and geographic details.

By exploring these resources, fans can anticipate which national teams will face each other in the group stage and how the tournament’s logistics will unfold.

7. Bottom Line

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw is more than a formality—it is the opening chapter of a landmark event that will showcase football on an expanded scale across North America. By joining the live stream on CBS or Paramount+, you’ll witness the moment when 48 nations are split into 16 groups, setting the stage for the tournament’s drama. With the draw scheduled for June 24 at 7:00 p.m. ET, be sure to tune in, follow the action on social media, and enjoy the global football spectacle that only FIFA can deliver.