How World Cup favorites Argentina and Spain are positioned after draw, and how U.S. and Mexico fared with their groupings.

Argentina will aim to become the first team to back to back World Cup championships Since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

The draw for the tournament took place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and followed President Donald Trump receiving the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize. The full results of the draw can be seen here and you can also watch The Athletic FC Podcast team’s reaction to the ceremony on YouTube.

France, England and Argentina have been dealt tough hands at this summer’s World Cup.

The USA will begin the 2026 World Cup against Paraguay as part of what initially appears to be a favorable draw for the hosts. Mauricio Pochettino's side will also take on Australia and the winners of one of the four European playoffs to secure a spot at the tournament, either Turkiye, Romania, Slovakia and Kosovo.

With the World Cup draw taking place on Friday, December 5th, now is the time to start thinking about purchasing tickets to the 2026 World Cup if you plan on attending.

Perhaps it's fitting that after the World Cup draw ceremony began, it took about 90 minutes for the actual drawing of teams to begin in earnest

Lionel Messi’s participation in the World Cup next summer seems to still be up in the air, though it sounds as if he will at least be there to watch Argentina defend its crown if he doesn’t play.