The USMNT and Mexico will play two European powerhouses in the last international break before the 2026 World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup draw, slated for noon ET from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., will determine the makeup of the tournament’s 12 four-team groups for next summer’s tournament, set to take place at 16 venues across the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

Former USMNT player Stuart Holden echoed Donovan’s words and took it a step further, admitting that in his eyes, Mexico playing the World Cup on home soil could quickly go from and advantage to an absolute nightmare.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw is just a day away. Here is everything you (soccer and non-soccer fans alike) need to know about the upcoming draw.

The mascot for the United States is Clutch the Bald Eagle ; for Canada, it's Maple the Moose ; and representing Mexico is Zayu the Jaguar. The mascot representing the United States for the 2026 World Cup is Clutch the Bald Eagle.

The World Cup final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico is fast approaching. Here's what to know about the tournament's format. The World Cup draw on Friday will separate 48 teams (and placeholders) into 12 groups of four teams each. Each team will play three games in the group stage, one against every team in its group.

Sheinbaum will also meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Washington, where the leaders are set to attend the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the three North American

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi works out during a training session, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., ahead of Saturday's of the MLS Cup soccer match against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Credit: AP/Darryl Dyck BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Lionel Messi isn't saying if he plans to play in the 2026 World Cup.