FIFA confirms top four seeded teams will be in separate halves of the 2026 World Cup draw, potentially meeting only in semi-finals or final
ZURICH: FIFA has confirmed the top four seeded nations will occupy separate halves of the draw for the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup.
This arrangement means top-ranked Spain, second seeds Argentina, third-ranked France, and world number four England could avoid facing each other until the semi-final stage.
Should both highest-ranked teams win their groups, they would be kept apart until the final.
FIFA published the four pots for qualified teams and detailed draw procedures scheduled for December 5 in Washington DC.
The top four nations join three host countries Canada, Mexico, and the United States in Pot 1.
Germany narrowly retained their seeded status and also feature in Pot 1.
The draw will commence with Pot 1 teams before proceeding to Pots 2, 3, and 4 in sequence.
Six World Cup spots remain available through March play-offs involving 18 nations.
Italy, ranked 12th globally and four-time champions, could enter Pot 4 if they qualify through play-offs.
Uzbekistan make their debut in Pot 3, while fellow first-timers Jordan, Cape Verde, and Curacao are in Pot 4.
Pot 1 includes Canada, Mexico, United States, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.
Pot 2 contains Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Iran, South Korea, Ecuador, Austria, and Australia.
Pot 3 features Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Uzbekistan, Qatar, and South Africa.
Pot 4 comprises Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curacao, Haiti, New Zealand, plus European and inter-confederation play-off winners. – AFP
