2026 World Cup Draw Set for 12 November 2025 at 5 p.m. ET in Madrid
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Summarizing the Sporting News Coverage of the 2026 World Cup Draw
The Sporting News article “Watch the World Cup Draw 2026 – Live Stream, TV Channel, Time, FIFA” delivers a comprehensive primer for soccer fans eager to follow the most anticipated tournament of the decade. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the draw that will determine the opening matchups has been slated for a prime‑time slot that balances global viewership with North‑American convenience. The article walks readers through every logistical detail—from the exact time of the draw to the broadcast partners and streaming options—while also weaving in context about the tournament’s format and the broader world of international soccer.
1. The Event Itself: Date, Time, and Format
The draw is scheduled for 12 November 2025 at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT (or 10 p.m. GMT), a window chosen to accommodate the majority of the world’s soccer‑watching audience. Sporting News notes that the draw will be conducted in Madrid, Spain, at the legendary Wanda Metropolitano stadium, following FIFA’s tradition of holding major tournament draws at iconic venues. This location underscores the global significance of the event and provides a dramatic backdrop that has been used for the 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018 World Cup draws.
FIFA’s 2026 tournament will feature 48 teams—a departure from the 32‑team format of previous editions—divided into 16 groups of three. The article emphasizes that the draw will decide group placement and the initial pairings for each team, setting the stage for the group‑stage phase that will commence in June 2026. With the expansion, the article explains that the first two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage, making for a 32‑team “second round” that will culminate in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 3 July 2026.
2. Live Broadcast Options: Television and Streaming
Television
- ESPN: In the United States, ESPN will broadcast the draw in both English and Spanish, with a Spanish‑language feed on ESPN Deportes. The network will air the draw live on its main channel, with highlights and post‑draw analysis on ESPN 2 and ESPN 3.
- Fox Sports: Fox Sports also partners with FIFA to provide a simulcast of the draw, airing the event on both the standard Fox channel and the cable‑free Fox Sports Network.
- CBS Sports: For the Canadian audience, CBS Sports is slated to carry the draw on its Canadian networks, mirroring the U.S. coverage.
In Mexico, the draw will be televised on Televisa’s “Canal de las Estrellas”, with a bilingual commentary track to accommodate both Spanish and English‑speaking viewers. The article cites a link to Televisa’s official streaming page for viewers in Latin America.
Streaming
- ESPN+: Subscribers to ESPN+ will receive a dedicated stream of the draw, with the option to view the event in high definition and access post‑event commentary from former players and analysts.
- FIFA.com Live: FIFA’s official website offers a live stream that includes a “behind‑the‑scenes” look at the draw, as well as real‑time updates on group placements.
- YouTube: FIFA’s official YouTube channel will host a live broadcast of the draw, allowing fans worldwide to watch without a subscription. The channel also plans a post‑draw recap with key moments highlighted.
The article stresses that these options are designed to make the draw accessible to fans across multiple platforms and time zones, ensuring that even those outside North America can tune in without difficulty.
3. Additional Context from Follow‑Up Links
FIFA’s Official Draw Page
A hyperlink leads to the FIFA.com “World Cup 2026 Draw” page, which provides detailed information on the draw’s procedural rules. The page explains that each of the 48 teams will be seeded based on their FIFA ranking and continental federation, and that teams from the same confederation cannot be drawn into the same group (with the exception of CONCACAF, which will have six teams and can have two from the same confederation in one group). The page also lists the current list of qualified teams as of the article’s publication, offering a snapshot of who is already in the mix.
Host Country Information
Another link directs readers to the “2026 FIFA World Cup Hosts” page on FIFA.com. This page provides a deeper dive into the host countries’ bid process, the selected stadiums (24 in total, spread across the three nations), and the logistical arrangements for fans. It also highlights the cultural significance of the tournament, noting that this will be the first time the World Cup is hosted across three nations and the first time it’s held in North America since 1994.
How the Draw Works
A supplementary article linked within the piece, titled “Understanding the FIFA World Cup Draw Process,” offers a historical overview of how draws have been conducted over the years. It includes a step‑by‑step explanation of the draw mechanics, a timeline of events, and insights into the role of the “drawing machine” that will actually determine group placements.
4. Practical Details for Viewers
The Sporting News article breaks down the practical aspects of tuning in:
- Time Zone Conversions: A handy table that translates 5 p.m. ET to local times in key markets—London, Paris, Moscow, Tokyo, Sydney, etc.
- Streaming Credentials: Instructions for accessing ESPN+ and FIFA.com streams, including recommended browsers and streaming quality options.
- Language Options: Details on how to switch commentary tracks on ESPN+ and the YouTube stream.
- Social Media Live Commentary: The article recommends following FIFA’s official Twitter handle for real‑time updates and hashtag #WorldCup2026Draw for fan interaction.
The piece concludes by reminding readers that the draw is more than a procedural necessity—it’s an event that can influence national pride, media hype, and even ticket sales. By broadcasting it live and widely, FIFA and its partners aim to build momentum leading up to the tournament’s kickoff in June 2026.
5. Key Takeaways
- Draw Date and Time: 12 Nov 2025, 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT), in Madrid.
- Broadcast Partners: ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS (US); Televisa (Mexico); CBC/CBS (Canada).
- Streaming Options: ESPN+, FIFA.com Live, YouTube.
- Tournament Format: 48 teams, 16 groups of 3, first two teams advance.
- Hosting Nations: USA, Canada, Mexico—24 stadiums across 10 cities.
- Preparation Resources: FIFA’s official pages for draw rules, host info, and procedural details.
The article successfully equips fans with everything they need to stay informed about the World Cup draw, ensuring they can watch it from wherever they are and understand how it sets the stage for the biggest sporting event in the world.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/soccer/news/watch-world-cup-draw-2026-live-stream-tv-channel-time-fifa/115ee7abfd30f12095a3fa91 ]