FIFA reveals pots and clarifies path in the qualifiers.

FIFA confirmed on Tuesday the pots for the draw of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, to be held on December 5th. The Brazilian national team is in Pot 1, along with Canada, Mexico, the United States, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.

Since Spain, Argentina, France, and England are the top four ranked teams, leading their respective groups prevents a Spain-Argentina or France-England match until the final. Furthermore, as happened in the Club World Cup and the 2022 World Cup, clashes between these nations can only occur in the semi-finals.

However, if Spain, Argentina, France, or England do not win their respective groups, a match against another contender could happen at any stage.

European teams from Pot 1, such as Portugal, can only face one UEFA opponent.

As for the winners of the intercontinental play-offs, they will be placed in Pot 4 and cannot share a group with teams from the same continent.The draw begins with the teams from Pot 1 being distributed from Group A to Group L. Next, Pots 2, 3, and 4 are drawn. It is already known that Mexico will be in Group A, Canada in Group B, and the United States in Group D, something to be decided in February 2024.