Cape Town – FIFA has confirmed the final format for the 2026 World Cup draw, with South Africa placed in Pot 3.
The tournament, co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, will expand to 48 teams.
USA, Mexico, and Canada, along with the top nine ranked teams, are in Pot 1, with Mexico in Group A, Canada in Group B, and the USA in Group D.
Teams will be allocated to Pots 2–4 based on rankings, with playoff qualifiers automatically in Pot 4.
FIFA has also structured the draw to keep the top four teams — Spain, Argentina, France, and England — on separate pathways to the semifinals.
South Africa, the last team in Pot 3, will avoid facing other African nations in the group stage and could face lower-ranked teams from Pot 4.
The procedures and pots have been revealed for the Final Draw. 🏆#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 25, 2025
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
