African football is on the brink of history as the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ takes place on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC.
For the first time ever, Africa is guaranteed nine spots, with a chance for a tenth team through a play-off tournament.
The draw will set the group-stage fixtures for the 48-team tournament and will be attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S.
President Donald J. Trump. It marks a major step toward the biggest single-sport event in history.
The Kennedy Center will host team officials, ambassadors, host city representatives, media, and fans as the world watches the road to the final, set for July 19, 2026, at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Infantino called it “the most anticipated Final Draw in history,” underlining its significance in shaping the tournament.
Fans from the 16 host cities across Canada, Mexico, and the United States will also have a chance to win VIP tickets through a special lottery.
Before the World Cup begins, an intercontinental play-off tournament will be held in March 2026 in North America, offering six nations including one from Africa, a shot at the last two qualification slots.
By draw day, 42 of the 48 teams will be confirmed, including defending champions Argentina, football giants Brazil, Australia, Japan, and debutants Jordan and Uzbekistan.
The final six, including Africa’s possible tenth representative, will be decided through the play-offs.
With nine guaranteed spots and a potential tenth, Africa is set for its strongest-ever representation at a FIFA World Cup, raising hopes for a historic breakthrough.
The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, promising an unforgettable festival of football across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
