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The group assignment ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup occurs this Friday at noon Eastern Time, revealing the placements for the 39 qualifying teams and the three host countries in the global football event. Broadcast live on Fox, the proceedings include pre-event analysis starting at 11:30 a.m. Eastern. Details on group stage locations and start times will follow the next day. World Cup entry passes are currently on offer.

This overview covers accessing the live 2026 World Cup group draw, along with essentials for acquiring tournament tickets either prior to or following the team allocations.

Event site: Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Online viewing options: Fox platforms, DirecTV, YouTube streams using a VPN, and additional sources.

Scheduled for Friday, December 5, the group draw ceremony leads into announcements of all group stage facilities and match start times on Saturday, December 6.

The main event commences at 12 p.m. Eastern (9 a.m. Pacific), with introductory segments available from 11:30 a.m. Eastern.

Viewers can catch the draw on various Fox channels, such as the main Fox network and the Fox Sports application. It may also appear on FS1.

Subscribers to traditional cable or satellite services might access Fox without cost through antenna reception. For alternatives, consider these viewing methods.

Launched this year, FOX One provides a centralized streaming option for Fox content, encompassing channels like Fox News, Fox Sports, Fox Weather, FS1, FS2, Fox Business, Fox Deportes, Big Ten Network, and regional Fox affiliates.

The service delivers real-time broadcasts alongside on-demand series and films. Monthly access starts at $19.99, with an yearly plan at $199.99 for savings. Fox Nation subscribers can combine it for $24.99 monthly or an annual equivalent of $19.99 per month.

Pairing FOX One with ESPN's updated streaming platform costs $39.99 per month.

DirecTV's Choice package, priced at $79.98 for the initial month including fees, includes key sports networks such as NFL Network, ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox.

This level also provides CBSSN, FS1, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, SEC Network, and numerous local regional sports networks. A current promotion allows a no-cost trial period. For those exploring live TV options during the sports season without full commitment, DirecTV stands out as a strong starting point.

Access to ESPN Unlimited and boundless cloud-based DVR recording comes standard with any DirecTV subscription.

In the United States, Fox carries the draw, while international audiences in select areas can view a free YouTube live stream. Without direct Fox availability, a VPN enables access to these complimentary global broadcasts.

Proton VPN stands out as Engadget's top VPN choice due to its comprehensive performance across key areas.

Proton's apps feature intuitive designs that remain straightforward and user-friendly on every device, with all functions logically placed and no confusing elements. Consistency shines through its software for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

This simplicity carries over to minimal effects on internet performance, with tests showing just a 12% average drop in download speeds globally and a mere 4% in uploads, barely noticeable except on weak connections. It maintains average ping times under 300 ms worldwide, effectively managing latency despite geographical distances.

Focused on user protection and data confidentiality, Proton VPN operates primarily under nonprofit ownership, prioritizing user rights over commercial pressures. It aced leak detection tests and excels in server safeguards, routing through hardened physical sites. Every server employs complete disk encryption to shield against external threats and internal access.

Preferring to skip VPN setup? Numerous live TV platforms provide trial periods at no charge, allowing free viewing of the 2026 World Cup group draw during the promotional window.

The 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026, and concludes on July 19, 2026.

Spanning 15 venues across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the host sites include:

Atlanta – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA

Boston – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA

Kansas City – GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO

Los Angeles – Sofi Stadium, Inglewood, CA

Miami – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL

New York/New Jersey – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

Philadelphia – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA

San Francisco Bay Area – Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA

Mexico City – Estadio Azteca, Coyoacan, Mexico City

Monterrey – Estadio BBVA, Gudalupe, Nuevo Leon

Guadalajara – Estadio Akron, Guadalajara

Single-match admissions are open for purchase on the FIFA site. For multi-match or premium experiences, register here for updates. A subsequent ticket draw follows this week's event; supporters can apply for particular games once pairings are set, targeting a finite supply of budget-friendly seats at chosen fixtures. (The precise timing remains undisclosed, but notifications are available via FIFA's portal.)

Admissions for the 2026 World Cup are accessible now, although the fixture list lacks team assignments at present.

Stand-alone tickets currently range from $1,400 to $3,500, with similar adjusted pricing for events in Mexico or Canada after currency conversion. Options cover group phases, elimination rounds, and the third-place contest. FIFA applies variable pricing, so costs could shift nearer the event based on interest levels. Lottery winners enjoy lower rates in four seating tiers, from $60 to $620, though these are exclusive to selected participants.

Premium bundles ensuring access to several games are available starting at $5,300. (Depending on location and inclusions, some reach $68,000 per individual, covering meals, beverages, and elite views but excluding transit or lodging.)

FIFA's official secondary market and platforms like StubHub already list individual fixtures, with prices from about $275 per ticket upward, varying by matchup and site.

Explore options on FIFA's Ticket Resale Marketplace

The tournament opens on Thursday, June 11, 2026, with the championship match on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Review the current timetable here.

Third-Place Match: July 18, 2026