2026 World Cup group draw recap - England land Croatia and Ghana as Scotland are handed huge Brazil and Morocco test at finals

React to this story

Join TNT Sports for the 2026 World Cup draw as we find out who England and Scotland will face in the group stage with holders Argentina, hosts the USA, Canada and Mexico, aiming to make a big impression at the new-look 48-team tournament. Back in 2022, Argentina triumphed over France in a dramatic final in Qatar, while England made it to the quarter-finals before they were knocked out by France.

Brazil can have a 'fantastic World Cup', says Ancelotti

Video credit: TNT Sports

20:50 - THANKS FOR JOINING US

Has been a fascinating day at the World Cup draw in a snowy Washington. We will have more news and reaction throughout the evening and over the weekend on TNT Sports as England and Scotland gear up for the big party next summer.

World Cup

UEFA confirms intention to boycott World Cup amid Infantino spin-off plan

30/07/2026 at 20:48

20:45 - A REMINDER OF THE GROUPS FOR YOU

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, UEFA play-off D Denmark/Czech Republic/Republic of Ireland/North Macedonia
Group B: Canada, UEFA play-off A: Italy/Wales/Bosnia-Herzegovina/Northern Ireland, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, UEFA play-off C: Turkey/Slovakia/Kosovo/Romania
Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, UEFA play-off B: Ukraine/Poland/Albania/Sweden, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, FIFA play-off 2: Bolivia/Suriname/Iraq, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, FIFA play-off 1: New Caledonia/Jamaica/DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

Read more here:

World Cup

World Cup 2026 draw: England meet Croatia, Scotland to face Brazil and Haaland v Mbappe

06/12/2025 at 00:12

'Expect something extraordinary' - Messi holds high expectations for the 2026 World Cup

Video credit: SNTV

20:35 - STEVE CLARKE REACTS TO 'FANTASTIC' SCOTLAND DRAW

"The draw is fantastic. A really good draw," said the Scotland manager on the BBC. "It is great to play Brazil. We're hopefully going to bring some magic as well. Bring them on. It is great to be involved in the draw.

"This time when you get drawn out of the hat, the saltire is there. It is special. I've come across [Brazil manager] Carlo [Ancelotti] a couple of times.

"Any time you draw Brazil is going to be a special occasion. The Brazilian fans are great, but the Tartan Army are special too."

20:25 - MR GOALS MEET MR GOALS

20:20 - TUCHEL REACTS TO 'DIFFICULT' ENGLAND GROUP

"Difficult group, difficult opening match against Croatia, who were a top seed in Pot 2," said the England manager on Talksport.

"Ghana from Pot 4 are a regular in World Cups and Semenyo and Kudus play in the Premier League with a lot of quality.

"Panama is a bit of the unknown, and we don't know a lot about them now, but we will know a lot about them in June.

"We will start the tournament late, tomorrow we're aware of where we're going to play and we can put a plan together."

England lost 2-1 to Croatia after extra-time in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, and Tuchel said: "They are a top team, ranked tenth in the world and a regular in finals and semi-finals.

"It starts straight away with a difficult opponent and challenge."

'I got a bit of stick' - Tuchel lauds England fans for 'good humour' chants

Video credit: SNTV

20:10 - A FEW WORLD CUP HOPEFULS WILL BE AT VILLA PARK

Here is all the information you need to know to watch and live stream Aston Villa v Arsenal in the Premier League on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Saturday.

Villa are flying high after an impressive run of results, but they will go head-to-head with the Premier League leaders at Villa Park.

It is a crucial match for both Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery as first takes on third in the Premier League.

Aston Villa v Arsenal will be live on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and discovery+.

TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a line-up of up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4), and up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), and TNT Sports Ultimate plus TNT Sports Box Office HD.

You can subscribe to TNT Sports through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

To find out where your local establishments showing TNT Sports are, use our Pub Finder.

For the latest information on which football matches are on TNT Sports, click here.

Here is the TNT Sports schedule and TV guide. And for the full Premier League schedule, click here.

Ancelotti tips 'fantastic' Arsenal to win Premier League title

Video credit: TNT Sports

20:05 - WHAT IS ENGLAND'S ROUTE TO FINAL?

If Thomas Tuchel's side top Group L ahead of Croatia, Ghana and Panama, the hard work is only starting.

They could face the third side in Group I, which could be Senegal before a possible meeting with Mexico in the last 16, Brazil in the quarter-finals and Argentina in the semi-finals.

Which would leave the small matter of Spain in the last four. All straightforward then.

It's coming home.

19:55 - FROM THE WORLD CUP TO THE FA CUP THIS WEEKEND

The Emirates FA Cup returns this weekend, and it includes a David versus Goliath fixture between the National League's Brackley Town and League One’s Burton Albion, as well as an opportunity for Grimbsy Town to record another cup run after their Carabao Cup success earlier this term. In total, eight of the 20 FA Cup second round matches will be televised live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Which FA Cup matches are on TNT Sports? How to watch and live stream

13/03/2026 at 12:29

Watch: Long-range STUNNERS and an overhead kick – Best FA Cup first-round goals

Video credit: TNT Sports

19:50 - BRAZIL COACH ANCELOTTI MEETS SCOTLAND LEGEND MCCOIST

An exclusive interview with TNT Sports before the two countries meet at next summer's World Cup finals.

Brazil can have a 'fantastic World Cup', says Ancelotti

Video credit: TNT Sports

19:45 - RYAN CHRISTIE RELISHING BRAZIL CHALLENGE

"Everybody's been asking me who I've wanted, I've been saying Brazil the whole week and then they came out and I thought, maybe I shouldn't be saying that," said the Bournemouth and Scotland midfielder on the BBC.

"Brazil was one of my favourite international teams growing up. Hopefully, we'll get the chance, myself, to play them next summer.

"We go into that tournament a little bit as the underdogs. It suits us. Hopefully, these other teams don't know what to expect, and we can surprise them a little bit."

19:35 - ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND HANDED TOUGH TESTS

England will face Croatia, Panama and Ghana in Group L at the 2026 World Cup, while Scotland will meet Brazil, Morocco and Haiti in Group C.

The Three Lions' clash with Croatia is a chance for revenge from the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, when England crashed out in extra time.

Meanwhile, Scotland can look forward to a first competitive meeting with Brazil since their defeat at the 1998 edition.

Read more here:

World Cup

World Cup 2026 draw: England meet Croatia, Scotland to face Brazil and Haaland v Mbappe

06/12/2025 at 00:12

Guardiola 'would love' England to win next summer's World Cup

Video credit: SNTV

19:30: HOW SCOTLAND'S FIXTURES ARE SHAPING UP

Scotland v Haiti, Saturday, 13th June at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough or MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Scotland v Morocco, Thursday 18th June at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia or Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
Scotland v Brazil, Wednesday 24th June at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami or Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

19:23 - WHAT ARE ENGLAND'S POSSIBLE GROUP L FIXTURES?

England v Croatia - Wednesday, 17th June in Dallas or Toronto
England v Ghana - Tuesday, 23rd June in Toronto or Boston
England v Panama - Saturday, 27th June in Philadelphia or New Jersey

19:18 - FULL FIFA 2026 WORLD CUP GROUPS

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, UEFA play-off D Denmark/Czech Republic/Republic of Ireland/North Macedonia
Group B: Canada, UEFA play-off A: Italy/Wales/Bosnia-Herzegovina/Northern Ireland, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, UEFA play-off C: Turkey/Slovakia/Kosovo/Romania
Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, UEFA play-off B: Ukraine/Poland/Albania/Sweden, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, FIFA play-off 2: Bolivia/Suriname/Iraq, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, FIFA play-off 1: New Caledonia/Jamaica/DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

19:15 - THE PARTY CONTINUES AT THE VENUE

US President Donald Trump is enjoying the Village People performing YMCA. Back to the real stuff.

19:12 - HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF FOR SCOTLAND

Scotland lost 2-1 to Brazil in the tournament opener at France '98 and were thumped 3-0 by Morocco in their final group game after drawing 1-1 with Norway to exit at the first stage. They will be hoping for better times 27 years later.

19:10 - That concludes the [epic] draw for this evening in Washington

19:08 - Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

19:07 - Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana

19:06 - Group K: Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia, FIFA Play-off 1

19:06 - Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

19:06 - Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, UEFA Play-off B

19:05 - Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, UEFA Play-off C

19:05 - Group H: Spain, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Cape Verde

19:04 - Group I: France, Senegal, Norway and winner of FIFA play-off 2

19:03 - Group E: Germany, Côte d'Ivoire, Ecuador, Curacao

19:00 - Group B: Canada, Qatar, Switzerland, UEFA Play-off A: Which could be Wales or Northern Ireland

18:59 - Group C: Scotland are in with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti

18:58 - Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, UEFA Play-off D: Which could be Republic of Ireland

18:57 - ALMOST THERE THEN WITH THE POT 4 TEAMS..12 TO GO

18:55 - NORWAY IN WITH FRANCE AND SENEGAL IN GROUP I

18:55 - PANAMA JOIN ENGLAND AND CROATIA IN GROUP L

18:55 - UZBEKISTAN WITH PORTUGAL AND COLOMBIA IN GROUP K

18:55 - ALGERIA JOIN ARGENTINA AND AUSTRIA IN GROUP J

18:55 - SAUDI ARABIA JOIN SPAIN AND URUGUAY IN GROUP H

18:54 - SCOTLAND IN WITH BRAZIL AND MOROCCO IN GROUP C

18:52 - BELGIUM, IRAN AND EGYPT IN GROUP G

18:51 - TUNISIA WITH JAPAN AND NETHERLANDS IN GROUP F

18:50 - IVORY COAST WITH GERMANY AND ECUADOR

18:48 - PARAGUAY WITH USA AND AUSTRALIA IN GROUP D

18:48 - QATAR WITH CANADA AND SWITZERLAND IN GROUP AB

18:47 - SOUTH AFRICA IN GROUP A WITH MEXICO AND SOUTH KOREA. FIRST MATCH OF FINALS IS MEXICO V SOUTH AFRICA

18:45 - NOW THE POT 3 TEAMS WHICH INCLUDE SOTLAND, WHO ARE APPEARING AT THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP FINALS SINCE 1998

18:44 - CROATIA IN GROUP L WITH ENGLAND

18:43 - COLOMBIA IN GROUP K WITH PORTUGAL

18:42 - AUSTRIA IN GROUP J WITH ARGENTINA

18:42 - SENEGAL IN GROUP I WITH FRANCE

18:41 - URUGUAY IN GROUP H WITH SPAIN

18:40 - IRAN IN GROUP G WITH BELGIUM

18:40 - JAPAN IN GROUP F WITH NETHERLANDS

18:39 - ECUADOR IN GROUP E WITH GERMANY

18:38 - AUSTRALIA IN GROUP D WITH USA

18:37 - MOROCCO IN GROUP C WITH BRAZIL

18:37 - SWITZERLAND IN GROUP B WITH CANADA

18:36 - SOUTH KOREA IN GROUP A WITH MEXICO

18:35 - A REMINDER OF THE POTS

FIFA world ranking in brackets:

Pot 1: Canada (27), Mexico (15), USA (14), Spain (1), Argentina (2), France (3), England (4), Brazil (5), Portugal (6), Netherlands (7), Belgium (8), Germany (9)
Pot 2: Croatia (10), Morocco (11), Colombia (13), Uruguay (16), Switzerland (17), Japan (18), Senegal (19), Iran (20), South Korea (22), Ecuador (23), Austria (24), Australia (26)
Pot 3: Norway (29), Panama (30), Egypt (34), Algeria (35), Scotland (36), Paraguay (39), Tunisia (40), Côte d’Ivoire (42), Uzbekistan (50), Qatar (51), Saudi Arabia (60), South Africa (61)
Pot 4: Jordan (66), Cape Verde (68), Ghana (72), Curaçao (82), Haiti (84), New Zealand (86) and another four teams from the UEFA European play-offs (below) and two from the FIFA intercontinental play-offs

18:33 - A BIT MORE CHAT THEN A VIDEO SHOWING THE 12 TEAMS IN POT 2

England are set to open their Group L campaign in Toronto or Dallas.

18:31 - ENGLAND IN GROUP L

18:30 - PORTUGAL IN GROUP K

18:30 - FRANCE IN GROUP I

18:29 - ARGENTINA IN GROUP J

18:28 - SPAIN IN GROUP H

18:28 - BELGIUM IN GROUP G

18:27 - BRAZIL IN GROUP C, GERMANY IN GROUP E, NETHERLANDS IN GROUP F

18:26 - 'IT IS TIME RIGHT NOW FOR DRAW' SAYS FERDINAND

18:23 - SOME SPORTING HEAVYWEIGHTS ARRIVE

US icons Wayne Gretzky, Tom Brady and Shaquille O'Neal are out there conducting the draw with Samantha Johnson and Rio.

18:20 - A BIT MORE CHAT ON THE STAGE

Rio explaining how the draw is going to be made this evening after some chat with American movie stars Matthew McConaughey and Salma Hayek.

18:15 - RIO FERDINAND HAS ARRIVED ON STAGE TO HELP CONDUCT THE DRAW

'Exciting, explosive' Nico Williams compared to Yamal by Ferdinand

Video credit: TNT Sports

18:11 - EARLY MOMENTS OF TONIGHT'S DRAW IN WASHINGTON

18:07 - WHAT DID HUGO SANCHEZ SAY AHEAD OF THE DRAW?

"The ideal way for Mexico to play is as a team. We don't have any individual stars, but I know that together we can achieve great things."

18:05 - PLENTY OF NODS IN THIS TUNE TO FIFA 2026

Very much on point with the theme of the night. Won't be long folks to the next balls are drawn, surely.

18:02 - SOME MORE SINGING ON THE WAY NOW..

Who needs a draw when you can just sing. And it is Lauryn Hill who is delivering a song now.

18:00 - WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR..

Well, we knew this before the draw, but here it is again:

Group A: Mexico
Group B: Canada
Group D: USA

17:58 - WE AWAIT THE NEXT BALLS IN THE DRAW TO BE MADE

A few more videos of football matches are wheeled out for the hall at the Kennedy Center to enjoy. Then Hugo Sanchez, a star of the 1986 World Cup finals in Mexico, is speaking.

17:53 - RIGHT THEN, WE ARE UP AND RUNNING WITH DRAW

US President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum all draw out their own countries. Which we knew before the draw. Hot ball in there? Trump picks out the USA.

17:52 - WHAT THE DRAW IS REALLY ALL ABOUT TONIGHT

17:50 - WHICH TEAMS ARE IN THE WORLD CUP PLAY-OFFS?

The final six spots at the 2026 World Cup will be filled by four teams from UEFA play-offs and two from interconfederation play-offs.

UEFA play-offs have 16 teams participating - 12 runners-up from the European qualifiers plus four teams who qualified via the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League - including Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.

Wales and Northern Ireland could meet in the final of the Path A play-offs, while Republic of Ireland play Czech Republic in their semi-final.

Semi-finals (March 26, 2026)

Path A
SF1: Italy v Northern Ireland
SF2: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina

Path B
SF3: Ukraine v Sweden
SF4: Poland v Albania

Path C
SF5: Turkey v Romania
SF6: Slovakia v Kosovo

Path D
SF7: Denmark v North Macedonia
SF8: Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland

Finals (March 31, 2026)

Path A: Wales / Bosnia and Herzegovina v Italy / Northern Ireland

Path B: Ukraine / Sweden v Poland / Albania

Path C: Slovakia / Kosovo v Turkey / Romania

Path D: Czech Republic / Republic of Ireland v Denmark / North Macedonia

The inter-confederation play-offs, officially called the FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-Off Tournament, has two paths for six teams.

DR Congo and Iraq, who have the highest FIFA ranking, were seeded and placed directly in each path's final.

The four remaining teams will contest two semi-finals and the winners advance to face the seeded teams.

Semi-finals (March 26, 2026)

Path A: New Caledonia v Jamaica
Path B: Bolivia v Suriname

Finals (March 31 2026)

Path A: DR Congo v Winner of Semi-final A

Path B: Iraq v Winner of Semi-final B

17:44 - TRUMP HAILS 'TREMENDOUS' PEACE HONOUR

And also says: "Gianni has done an incredible job, you have set new record on ticket sales. It is a nice tribute to you and the game of football, or as we call it soccer. It is beyond the numbers we thought were possible."

Meanwhile, the World Cup trophy has arrived on stage. Via Argentina World Cup-winning coach Lionel Scaloni.

17:38 - INFANTINO TRIBUTE TO TRUMP AHEAD OF WORLD CUP DRAW

"We want to see hope, we want to see unity, and we want to see a future. This is what we want to see from a leader, and you definitely deserve the first Fifa Peace Prize. You can always count on my support to help you make peace around the world. Thank you, Mr President."

17:35 - 'ONE OF THE GREAT HONOURS OF MY LIFE - COMMENTS TRUMP

The US president is paid a glowing tribute by the FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who presents Trump with a medal and a huge trophy. Good luck lifting that.

17:31 - US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP PICKS UP A FIFA PEACE PRIZE

17:27 - 'DESIRE' IS THE OFFICIAL FIFA WORLD CUP ANTHEM

Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger gave it a fair old rendition at the finals draw with images of fans from across the globe in the background.

17:25 - SOME MORE SINGING ON THE GO HERE

Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger are on the stage now delivering quite an epic number, it must be said. Not sure how catchy a tune it will prove, but there we go.

17:20 - A REMINDER OF THE POTS FOR TONIGHT

FIFA world ranking in brackets:

Pot 1: Canada (27), Mexico (15), USA (14), Spain (1), Argentina (2), France (3), England (4), Brazil (5), Portugal (6), Netherlands (7), Belgium (8), Germany (9)
Pot 2: Croatia (10), Morocco (11), Colombia (13), Uruguay (16), Switzerland (17), Japan (18), Senegal (19), Iran (20), South Korea (22), Ecuador (23), Austria (24), Australia (26)
Pot 3: Norway (29), Panama (30), Egypt (34), Algeria (35), Scotland (36), Paraguay (39), Tunisia (40), Côte d’Ivoire (42), Uzbekistan (50), Qatar (51), Saudi Arabia (60), South Africa (61)
Pot 4: Jordan (66), Cape Verde (68), Ghana (72), Curaçao (82), Haiti (84), New Zealand (86) and another four teams from the UEFA European play-offs (below) and two from the FIFA intercontinental play-offs

- - -

UEFA play-off A: Italy, Wales, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Northern Ireland
UEFA play-off B: Ukraine, Poland, Albania, Sweden
UEFA play-off C: Turkey, Slovakia, Kosovo, Romania
UEFA play-off D: Denmark, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, North Macedonia

17:15 - THE FIFA PRESIDENT IS NOW ON THE STAGE

Gianni Infantino welcoming the respective presidents of the US, Canada and Mexico. "This will be the greatest World Cup ever, the greatest event humanity will ever see," he said. "We have three beautiful host countries...clap your hands again for Andrea Bocelli." 1 billion people are watching this draw from home, according to the FIFA president.

17:11 - AND A STANDING OVATION FOR BOCELLI

Have to admit, that was a terrific and moving piece of singing. Snowing outside the venue, but warming up inside it with that classic tune. Heidi Klum and Kevin Hart are hosting this bonanza tonight.

17:10 - A BIT OF SINGING FROM ANDREA BOCELLI

Nessun Dorma from the great Italian tenor gets this two-hour bash up and running. What a way to get us moving. Watched by US president Donald Trump. Can't believe Italia '90 was, well, in 1990.

17:05 - KEY DATES FOR 2026 FINALS

Group stage: June 11-27
Last 32: June 28-July 3
Last 16: July 4-7
Quarter-finals: July 9-11
Semi-finals: July 14-15
Final: July 19

17:00 - A BIT MORE FROM BRAZIL COACH CARLO ANCELOTTI SPEAKING TO TNT SPORTS

Ancelotti 'always looking' for Everton results, hopes to visit new stadium

Video credit: TNT Sports

16:55 - WILL WE KNOW WHERE MY TEAM ARE PLAYING TONIGHT?

Not unless you land a host nation in the USA, Canada or Mexico with the match schedule for the World Cup, including kick-off times, all set to be confirmed tomorrow.

FIFA says that "the match allocation process that follows the draw aims to ensure the best possible conditions for all teams while, where possible, enabling fans all over the world to watch their teams play live across different time zones".

It has been confirmed that the World Cup will start with Mexico playing at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday, June 11, and the final will be held at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey on Sunday, July 19.

16:50 - WHAT ARE THE 16 HOST CITIES FOR WORLD CUP?

Western Region: Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles
Central Region: Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey, Houston, Dallas, Kansas City
Eastern Region: Atlanta, Boston, Miami, Toronto, Philadelphia, New York New Jersey

16:40 - WHAT IS ENGLAND'S SEEDING WORTH AT FINALS?

Not much unless they win their respective sectio. Then they receive [some] immunity. In a major change to the draw, the four top-ranked countries will be seeded.

Spain and Argentina, ranked first and second in the FIFA rankings, will be placed on opposite sides of the draw, along with third-ranked France and fourth-ranked England.

This means, if they win their groups, France and England cannot meet until the final and would not face Argentina or Spain until the semi-finals.

Lescott: Bellingham faces more pressure than Rooney for England

Video credit: TNT Sports

16:30 - WERE ENGLAND'S 'GOLDEN GENERATION' LOSERS?

Peter Crouch had his say on TNT Sports after some no-nonsense comments by Steven Gerrard about failing to deliver the goods on the biggest stage.

'Of course we were losers' - Crouch reacts to Gerrard's England comments

Video credit: TNT Sports

16:20 - COULD ENGLAND FACE SCOTLAND IN FINALS?

The answer is yes, but that is only possible if England are not paired with another European country from Pot 2.

As England are in Pot 1 and Scotland are in Pot 3, they could be drawn together.

However, if England are paired with a European team from Pot 2 then Scotland cannot be put into the same group.

There is also the potential for Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Wales to be drawn with England or Scotland if they make it to the World Cup.

Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Wales will all be competing in the play-offs, though Northern Ireland and Wales are unable to qualify together, as they are battling for one spot in play-off Path A.

If they qualify, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Wales will be in Pot 4.

Chilwell could still play 'vital role' for England at World Cup - Hitzlsperger

Video credit: TNT Sports

16:10 - HOW DOES THE DRAW WORK?

The draw for the World Cup will take place on December 5, at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC from 17:00 (UK time). US President Donald Trump will join FIFA supremo Gianni Infantino at the draw.

Of the 48 spots at next year's World Cup, 42 have been filled, with the remaining six decided by UEFA and inter-confederation play-offs, which take place in March.

There are 12 groups at the World Cup, with each group including one team from each of the four pots.

The three co-hosts will be identified by different coloured balls in the draw: green for Mexico (A1), red for Canada (B1), and blue for the USA (D1).

Their group positions are pre-determined, and they will play their matches in their own countries. Mexico know they will open the World Cup at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11.

Confirmed World Cup draw pots

Pot 1: Canada, Mexico, USA, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany

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

Pot 3: Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Cote d’Ivoire, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa

Pot 4: Jordan, Cabo Verde, Ghana, Curacao, Haiti, New Zealand, European Play-Off A, B, C and D, FIFA Play-Off Tournament 1 and 2

The remaining nine teams in Pot 1, all identified by the colour white, will then be drawn into different groups. Pots 2, 3, and 4 then go through the same process.

No group can have more than one team from the same confederation drawn into it, except Europe as it will have more teams (16) than groups participating. Each group must have at least one European team, but no more than two.

16:00 - ONE HOUR UNTIL SHOWTIME

We will have performances from an electic mix of musicians with Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger and the Village People all set to perform. There will also be speeches from US president Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino before the balls start rolling. Anybody out there recall Far Away in America, Germany's World Cup song for the 1994 finals in the US? Sung by...the Village People. Who else, you might say..

15:50 - ROGERS INSPIRED BY RONALDO AND BELLINGHAM

Morgan Rogers has discussed his admiration for Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo. Rogers also opened up on going from singing the UEFA Champions League anthem as a youngster to playing for Villa in the iconic competition, and talked about his friendship with fellow England midfielder Jude Bellingham as they battle for a place in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad.

Read more here:

Premier League

'One of a kind' - Rogers on Ronaldo inspiration and following Bellingham's 'path'

05/12/2025 at 08:59

Rogers strikes to spark delirium amongst Aston Villa fans – including HRH Prince William

Video credit: TNT Sports

15:40 - HOW MESSI COMPLETED FOOTBALL IN QATAR

World champion Lionel Messi has become synonymous with World Cup excellence. He has the most man-of-the-match awards (11) and most World Cup appearances as a captain (19).

With 26 appearances on the grandest stage over five tournaments, he has moved one clear of Lothar Matthäus, Germany’s 1990 World Cup-winning captain.

"This Cup we got is also for all those who did not make it in the previous World Cups we played, like in 2014 in Brazil, where they all deserved it for how they fought until the same final, worked hard, and wanted," said Messi.

"And we deserved it even in that damn ending. It's also for Diego who encouraged us from heaven.

"And of all those who spent the time always supporting the national team without looking so much at the result, but the desire we always put into it, also when things didn't go as we wanted.

"Many times, failure is part of the journey and learning and without the disappointments, it is impossible for success to come."

'Expect something extraordinary' - Messi holds high expectations for the 2026 World Cup

Video credit: SNTV

15:30 - COULD WORLD CUP STAR SALAH BE HEADING FOR TURKEY?

In Friday's Euro Transfer News, Liverpool reportedly favour Antoine Semenyo over Bayern Munich's Michael Olise and Roma are seemingly interested in three strikers. That is not all though. Galatasaray could be ready to make a sensational swoop for Mohamed Salah and Wolves are willing to let Fer Lopez leave the club on loan after a difficult start to life in the Premier League.

Read more here:

Transfers

Salah could move to Turkey, Reds favour Semenyo over Olise - Euro Transfer News

05/12/2025 at 15:00

‘It’s CRIMINAL’ – Gerrard, McManaman unhappy with Salah, Kerkez for role in PSV goal

Video credit: TNT Sports

15:20 - HOW TO WATCH ASTON VILLA V ARSENAL LIVE ON TNT SPORTS

Here is all the information you need to know to watch and live stream Aston Villa v Arsenal in the Premier League on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Saturday.

Villa are flying high after an impressive run of results, but they will go head-to-head with the Premier League leaders at Villa Park.

It is a crucial match for both Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery as first takes on third in the Premier League.

Aston Villa v Arsenal will be live on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and discovery+.

You can subscribe to TNT Sports through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

To find out where your local establishments showing TNT Sports are, use our Pub Finder.

'Give us another day' - Arteta pleads with Premier League over schedule

Video credit: SNTV

For the latest information on which football matches are on TNT Sports, click here.

Here is the TNT Sports schedule and TV guide. And for the full Premier League schedule, click here.

15:10 - LATEST UPDATES FROM PREMIER LEAGUE ARE HERE

The Premier League is back for matchday 15, but which players are injury doubts and what is the latest team news? The weekend starts with Arsenal visiting Aston Villa on Saturday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+ with a 12:30 kick-off UK time. Among the other games, Chelsea face Bournemouth, Manchester City take on Sunderland while Liverpool travel to Leeds at Elland Road.

Read more here:

Premier League

PL team news: Latest updates on Rice, Saliba, Martinez, De Ligt, Rodri, Palmer

05/12/2025 at 15:19

'A special player' - Guardiola breaks down why Foden means so much to Man City and fans

Video credit: SNTV

15:00 - WHERE WILL THE OPENING MATCH OF THE FINALS TAKE PLACE?

The 83,000-capacity Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will host the World Cup on June 11.

14:50 - TUCHEL FEELS ENGLAND CAN BRING IT HOME

"Everyone knows that we cannot promise that we win it, but they want to see a team, and team spirit, a team that gives everything and fights for each other," he told reporters.

"If the players bring that, then I think anything is possible. We will be brave enough to dream about it, we will be brave enough to try it.

"I feel the change in expectation and a change in the feedback I get from fans and people who I meet because they like what they saw.

"Am I more confident now? Yes. Because we have got better. We have to arrive and try to make a special thing happen, but we cannot guarantee it."

'It's a very special moment' - Tuchel on England's World Cup qualification

Video credit: SNTV

14:40 - SCOTT MCTOMINAY IS IN MARKET FOR AN OVERHEAD KICK

Acrobatic McTominay forces Jankovic own goal to seal Napoli win

Video credit: TNT Sports

14:30 - ENGLAND WAITS, AND ENGLAND EXPECTS

14:20 - WHAT ARE THE POTS FOR TODAY'S DRAW?

FIFA world ranking in brackets

Pot 1: Canada (27), Mexico (15), USA (14), Spain (1), Argentina (2), France (3), England (4), Brazil (5), Portugal (6), Netherlands (7), Belgium (8), Germany (9)
Pot 2: Croatia (10), Morocco (11), Colombia (13), Uruguay (16), Switzerland (17), Japan (18), Senegal (19), Iran (20), South Korea (22), Ecuador (23), Austria (24), Australia (26)
Pot 3: Norway (29), Panama (30), Egypt (34), Algeria (35), Scotland (36), Paraguay (39), Tunisia (40), Côte d’Ivoire (42), Uzbekistan (50), Qatar (51), Saudi Arabia (60), South Africa (61)
Pot 4: Jordan (66), Cape Verde (68), Ghana (72), Curaçao (82), Haiti (84), New Zealand (86) and another four teams from the UEFA European play-offs (below) and two from the FIFA intercontinental play-offs

- - -

UEFA play-off A: Italy, Wales, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Northern Ireland
UEFA play-off B: Ukraine, Poland, Albania, Sweden
UEFA play-off C: Turkey, Slovakia, Kosovo, Romania
UEFA play-off D: Denmark, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, North Macedonia

- - -

FIFA play-off 1: DR Congo, Jamaica, New Caledonia
FIFA play-off 2: Iraq, Bolivia, Suriname

Emotional scenes as Curacao become smallest nation to qualify for World Cup

Video credit: SNTV

14:10 - WILL WORLD CUP PROVE A BRIDGE TOO VAR FOR FANS?

FIFA is set to make radical changes to the officiating of football, with VAR's responsibilities to include corners and second yellow cards at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Proposals were made at an October meeting of IFAB, in which FIFA put forward VAR checking the awarding of corners and second yellow cards. Despite corners being denied by IFAB, both are set to be trialled next summer.

Read more here:

World Cup

VAR on corners and second yellows: How World Cup could change officiating forever

03/12/2025 at 07:37

'Don't book him, ref!' - Emerson sent off for 'dive' after VAR review

Video credit: TNT Sports

14:00 - A CHANCE TO SEE SOME OF WORLD CUP FINALISTS COMPETE

December will see 24 of Africa's top sides battle it out at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations. Morocco, World Cup semi-finalists in 2022, are this year's hosts and among the favourites for the title, but in a tournament the always upsets the odds, the likes of Nigeria, Egypt, Senegal and defending champions Cote d'Ivoire will be eyeing the trophy. The hosts kick off against Comoros on December 21.

Read more here:

TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations

AFCON 2025 groups, schedule, dates: Morocco eye home glory as Cote d'Ivoire defend crown

05/12/2025 at 07:26

Slot says Salah 'always in my mind' to start games after recent benching

Video credit: SNTV

13:50 - ANCELOTTI BACKS ARSENAL TO CLAIM PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE

The Brazil coach is impressed by Mikel Arteta's side as they chase title glory at home and abroad.

Ancelotti tips 'fantastic' Arsenal to win Premier League title

Video credit: TNT Sports

13:40 - A FEW WORLD CUP HOPEFULS WILL BE AT VILLA PARK

Here is all the information you need to know to watch and live stream Aston Villa v Arsenal in the Premier League on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Saturday.

Villa are flying high after an impressive run of results, but they will go head-to-head with the Premier League leaders at Villa Park.

It is a crucial match for both Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery as first takes on third in the Premier League.

Aston Villa v Arsenal will be live on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and discovery+.

You can subscribe to TNT Sports through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

To find out where your local establishments showing TNT Sports are, use our Pub Finder.

For the latest information on which football matches are on TNT Sports, click here.

Here is the TNT Sports schedule and TV guide. And for the full Premier League schedule, click here.

Which Premier League matches are on TNT Sports?

The following games will be shown live on TNT Sports:

SAT, DEC 6	ASTON VILLA V ARSENAL	12:30
SAT, DEC 13	ARSENAL V WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS	20:00
SAT, DEC 20	NEWCASTLE UNITED V CHELSEA	12:30
SAT, DEC 27	NOTTINGHAM FOREST V MANCHESTER CITY	12:30
SUN, JAN 4	LEEDS UNITED V MANCHESTER UNITED	12:30
SAT, JAN 17	NOTTINGHAM FOREST V ARSENAL	17:30
SAT, JAN 24	WEST HAM UNITED V SUNDERLAND	12:30
SAT, JAN 31	LIVERPOOL V NEWCASTLE UNITED	20:00

Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+

13:30 - WILL ENGLAND LEAVE SUBS IN DRESSING ROOM AT WORLD CUP?

Here is the bizarre reason why Thomas Tuchel will leave England players indoors during games at the FIFA World Cup. England qualified for the tournament in stunning style, recording eight wins from eight fixtures to finish top of their qualifying group. The World Cup is set to be held in Canada, the USA, and Mexico from June 11, with the final scheduled to be played on July 19.

World Cup

Why Tuchel may leave England players indoors during World Cup games

05/12/2025 at 10:35

13:20 - ANCELOTTI EXPECTS BRAZIL TO PERFORM STRONGLY

Bidding to win the trophy for the first time since 2002, coaching Carlo Ancelotti is feeling good about the national side's prospects. Brazil are looking to win the World Cup for a sixth time next summer, with Ancelotti leading the Selecao in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Ancelotti has told TNT Sports about his ambitions for the World Cup and reflected on his time in the Premier League with Everton and Chelsea. He has also made his predictions for the winners of the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

Read more here:

World Cup

Ancelotti backs Brazil for 'fantastic World Cup', makes PL title prediction

05/12/2025 at 11:05

Brazil can have a 'fantastic World Cup', says Ancelotti

Video credit: TNT Sports

13:10 - WELCOME TO THE WORLD CUP DRAW

A huge Friday afternoon ahead for you as we find out who and where England and Scotland will be playing at the World Cup finals next summer in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

There is also interest in the draw for Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, who are all battling to claim a spot at the greatest show on earth via the European play-offs.

Argentina and Lionel Messi are set to defend the trophy following their thrilling 4-2 penalty shoot win over France after a 3-3 draw over 120 minutes in Qatar three years ago.

The draw is due to begin at 5pm GMT (12pm local time) in Washington DC despite the US capital not hosting any games at the finals with US president Donald Trump also set to speak at the draw.

Should be a fascinating few hours ahead, and we have all the build-up right here for you.

'Expect something extraordinary' - Messi holds high expectations for the 2026 World Cup

Video credit: SNTV

Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Serie A and Men's and Women's FA Cup and more on TNT Sports and discovery+.

World Cup

'My time has passed' - Neymar says Brazil career is over

29/07/2026 at 20:47

World Cup

FIFA open disciplinary case against Argentina over World Cup conduct and Falklands banner

29/07/2026 at 18:36