Delhi, 26 November (H.S.): FIFA has unveiled the draw procedure and seeding plan for the expanded 2026 World Cup, confirming that football powerhouses Spain and Argentina, along with France and England, cannot face each other before the final—provided they all top their respective groups.

These rules seek to ensure competitive balance in the new 48-team format.The governing body’s protocol will position the top four seeds—Spain (ranked 1), Argentina (2), France (3), and England (4)—on opposite sides of the knockout bracket, so they only meet in the semifinals or the final if they win their groups.

Even if these teams fail to finish first in their groups, the structure prevents their paths from crossing before the semifinals.The official draw takes place on December 5 in Washington, with the full match schedule, including stadiums and kick-off times, to be announced the following day.

Group Seeding and Draw Pots

Pot 1: Canada, Mexico, United States (host nations), Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany.

Pot 2: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Iran, South Korea, Ecuador, Austria, Australia.

Pot 3: Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa.

Pot 4: Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curacao, Haiti, New Zealand, winners of UEFA Play-Offs A–D, FIFA Play-Off Tournaments 1–2.

Confederation Restrictions

Grouping rules prohibit more than one team from the same continent in any group, except UEFA, which can have up to two European teams per group because of its 16 representatives.

Tournament Dates

Co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the tournament begins June 11, 2026, and culminates with the final in New Jersey on July 19.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar