LAS VEGAS — July 30: Las Vegas is expected to host the official draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, December 5, according to widespread reports, marking a key milestone in preparations for the expanded 48-team tournament set to be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
While FIFA has yet to confirm the exact date and venue, multiple sources indicate the modern Sphere in Las Vegas — with a seating capacity exceeding 17,000 — is the frontrunner to host the event.
The 2026 edition of the tournament will be historic on multiple fronts. It will be the first time the World Cup is co-hosted by three countries and the first to feature 48 nations, up from the traditional 32.
The draw will determine the 12 groups, each consisting of four teams. FIFA has already designated host nations Mexico, Canada, and the United States to Groups A, B, and D respectively.
Although Las Vegas hosted the World Cup draw in 1994—the last time the tournament was held in the U.S.—the city was not a match venue then, nor will it be for 2026. Its Allegiant Stadium was not selected among the 16 venues for the competition.
Instead, the U.S. will host matches in 11 cities, split into three regions:
- East: New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston, Miami, Atlanta
- Central: Kansas City, Dallas, Houston
- West: Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco Bay Area
Mexico will host matches in Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey, while Canada’s venues are Toronto and Vancouver.
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host the final on July 19, 2026.
World Cup qualification is expected to conclude by March 2026 following the intercontinental playoff, clearing the path for the December draw.
