India, Dec. 5 -- The 2026 FIFA World Cup is still months away, but the excitement is already building as the tournament edges closer. The first big step toward shaping the competition comes with the official draw on December 5, which will set the stage for storylines, rivalries, and early talking points heading into football's biggest showpiece.

A total of 48 teams are set to compete in next year's tournament - the largest World Cup in history - with the expanded event to be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The draw will take place at the Kennedy Center, Washington, DC.

As the draw approaches, here's an explainer on how the 48 teams will be split into 12 groups. The four pots are largely confirmed, though a few posit...