It's almost time, the stage is set, and the FIFA World Cup draw is nearly here as on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., every team will find out their group. Last week, FIFA released the final pots for the 48 teams taking part in the World Cup.

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw? Here's what you need to know: The FIFA World Cup draw is officially just over 24 hours away, as it will take place on Friday, Dec. 5 at 12 p.m. ET from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

The famously elusive World Cup Trophy has just gotten a playful, yet collectible, makeover in LEGO form. The LEGO Group and FIFA have teamed up ahead of the 2026 tournament to release a full-scale brick replica of the trophy. The set is part of the new “LEGO Editions” series and is already open for preorder.

Iran’s national team coach will attend the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, despite an earlier announcement by the country’s soccer federation that it would boycott the event, Iranian media reported Thursday.

George Santos was a Cape Verde international between 2002-04, when they had only just competed in their first-ever World Cup qualifying campaign. Now that they've reached the finals for the first time in their history, he tells Mani Djazmi why it means so much to the country.

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

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.

Wales boss Steve Tandy is confident his side will grow to be a team that others want to avoid at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.