Cape Town – The FIFA World Cup 2026 draw will take place on 5 December 2025 at 19:00 SA time at Washington DC’s Kennedy Centre.
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, qualifying for the first time in 24 years, will learn their group opponents for the tournament co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.
This edition will feature 48 teams, up from 32, with 42 already qualified and the remaining six spots to be decided soon.
Procedures for the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ revealed 💡
· On Friday, 5 December, participating teams will find out which pathway they must follow in their quest to lift the trophy in New York New Jersey on Sunday, 19 July 2026
· Procedures that will govern the… pic.twitter.com/5ExgVGs8GU— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) November 25, 2025
The 12 groups will be formed from four pots, with seeded countries automatically placed in position one and co-hosts having predetermined group slots.
Draw rules prevent more than one team from the same confederation per group, except in four groups where two European nations will be allowed.
While the draw will reveal the matchups and schedule order, official venues and kick-off times will be confirmed on 6 December.
This marks Bafana’s first appearance in a World Cup since 2002 (excluding hosting in 2010).
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
