The AJC has you covered for Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup draw announcement, which begins at noon in Washington, D.C.
The draw will determine the four-team groupings of the 48 teams that have qualified for the world’s premier tournament, which begins in the summer.
Our team coverage includes reports from soccer writer Doug Roberson from the nation’s capital, plus local coverage from Fan Fest at Fadó Irish Pub in Buckhead.
The event is hosted by the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee and Atlanta United. Live entertainment will include DJ EU. There will also be giveaways from various stakeholders, including Atlanta United, the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Metro Atlanta Chamber / Atlanta Where You Belong, U.S. Soccer and the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, (Winner of playoff D)
Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, (Winner of playoff A)
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
Group D: U.S., Australia, Paraguay, (Winner of playoff C)
Note: U.S. will open against Paraguay on June 12.
Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curacao
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, (Winner of playoff B)
Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cabo Verde
Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, (Winner of playoff 2)
Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, (Winner of playoff 1)
Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana
Bold denotes groups that will have some matches in Atlanta.Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa
Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland
Group D: U.S., Australia, Paraguay
U.S. will open against Paraguay on June 12.
Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt
Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia
Group I: France, Senegal, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria
Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan
Group L: England, Croatia, Panama
Group A: Mexico, South Korea,
Group B: Canada, Switzerland,
Group C: Brazil, Morocco,
Group D: U.S., Australia,
Group E: Germany, Ecuador,
Group F: Netherlands, Japan,
Group G: Belgium, Iran
Group H: Spain, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal
Group J: Argentina, Austria
Group K: Portugal, Colombia
Group L: England, Croatia
Group A: Mexico
Group B: Canada
Group C: Brazil
Group D: U.S.
Group E: Germany
Group F: Netherlands
Group G: Belgium
Group H: Spain
Group I: France
Group J: Argentina
Group K: Portugal
Group L: England
Brazil, Spain and Portugal are first possible teams to play a group stage match against yet-to-be-drawn teams in Atlanta
Atlanta fans don't forget, it seems.
As Tom Brady was introduced during the World Cup pool draw broadcast, dozens of fans booed loudly and gave him thumbs down.
Never forget, 28-3.
The real draw will start soon. We are 75 minutes into the broadcast.
The broadcast is on the big screen and everyone is gathered to hear the draw. There were some cheers as Mexico, Canada and USA were picked for their pods.
The leaders of the three host countries are on the stage and about to start the draw. It's taken 48 minutes to get here.
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