The pots for the 2026 World Cup draw have all but been confirmed with the qualified teams across the globe now crossing their fingers when it comes to the draw on December 5.
MORE — 2026 World Cup venues
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And the higher pot you’re placed in the easier draw you get. In theory.
Below is a look at the 42 teams who have qualified and which pot they are set to be in for the draw, while the there are still six teams who join them via the playoffs in Europe and the inter-confederation tournament.
How do FIFA determine which pots teams are in for the 2026 World Cup draw?
This very helpful explainer from our own Nick Mendola goes through the details on exactly how the 2026 World Cup draw will work.
But how are teams placed in each of the four pots? Basically, it’s based on FIFA’s world ranking system as to which pot each team will be placed in.
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With the new FIFA men’s rankings out, and another set of rankings not due out before the draw on December 5, FIFA will use these world rankings for the 2026 World Cup draw.
It is also expected, but not confirmed, that FIFA will place the six teams who will advance to the tournament via the playoff route in Pot 4. Thus ignoring their FIFA ranking and sitting up the potential for some very strong groups.
Which pots would each team be in for the 2026 World Cup if the draw was today?
Pot 1 – 12 teams total
Spain
Argentina
France
England
Brazil
Portugal
Netherlands
Belgium
Germany
USMNT (hosts)
Mexico (hosts)
Canada (hosts)
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Pot 2 – 12 teams total
Croatia
Morocco
Colombia
Uruguay
Switzerland
Japan
Senegal
Iran
South Korea
Ecuador
Austria
Australia
Pot 3 – 12 teams total
Norway
Panama
Egypt
Algeria
Scotland
Paraguay
Tunisia
Ivory Coast
Uzbekistan
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Pot 4 – 12 teams total
Jordan
Cape Verde
Ghana
Curacao
Haiti
New Zealand
UEFA playoff winner 1
UEFA playoff winner 2
UEFA playoff winner 3
UEFA playoff winner 4
Inter-confederation playoff winner 1
Inter-confederation playoff winner 2
