Overview
- The group-stage draw takes place at the Kennedy Center at 18:00 CET, setting 12 groups for the expanded 48‑team tournament with 42 teams confirmed and six playoff placeholders.
- Germany is seeded in Pot 1 alongside the three hosts and top-ranked sides, as the star-led show features Heidi Klum, Rio Ferdinand and U.S. sports icons, with Trump expected to attend and speak.
- FIFA will present its inaugural Peace Prize at the event, with Trump widely reported as the leading candidate, while Human Rights Watch says no nominees, jury or criteria have been disclosed and reports indicate a committee will convene only after the first award.
- Human Rights Watch cites at least 92,392 arrests this year in and around host cities and, with the Sport & Rights Alliance, warns of heightened risks for migrants, press freedom and heavy policing during the tournament.
- Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup taskforce, told The Times that ICE operations at matches are not excluded and that some fans could be denied visas, and FIFA plans to confirm specific group match venues and kick-off times on Saturday.