There was a time when the thought of a 48-team World Cup was as unpalatable to me as Video Assistant Referees, Swiss Model Champions League formats, and pink boots.
Now, I still have trouble with pink boots, but as we look ahead to history being made on Dec. 5th in Washington with the 2026 World Cup Draw -- and the first-ever 48-team tournament -- I have to admit that, as much as I have some nagging reservations, I am excited.
Progress then?
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-> Get the latest World Cup 2026 odds and sign up at NorthStar Bets
Yes, there will be some bad teams, but that also means the potential for giant-killing, not to mention some enormous value on the betting lines. The value will include Canada, which as co-host, finds itself placed as a seeded team in Pot 1 for the draw.
Traditionally speaking, Pot 1 teams have an excellent chance of progressing out of their group. So, for a team like Canada set to make its third-ever World Cup appearance, this bit of history bodes well for Jesse Marsch and Co.
The format for the expanded tournament and draw is actually relatively simple. As the world's largest confederation, UEFA (Europe) is granted the most tournament berths with 16, followed by CAF (Africa) with 9 and AFC (Asia) at 8.
Here's a full look at the number of berths by confederation:
- UEFA (Europe) - 16 berths
- CAF (Africa) - 9 berths
- AFC (Asia)) - 8 berths
- CONMEBOL (South America) - 6 berths
- CONCACAF (North/Central America, Caribbean) - 3+3 (3 hosts, plus 3 qualifiers)
- OFC (Oceania) 1
+ 6 more berths via World Cup playoffs (4 from UEFA, 2 inter-confed.)
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Ah yes, the World Cup playoffs. These will be played over two legs in March. The inter-confederation playoffs are scheduled for March 26 and 31, 2026, while the UEFA playoffs will also take place with semi-finals on March 26, 2026, and finals on March 31, 2026.
So on Dec. 5, the draw will have six incomplete groups by the time all the festivities have ground to a halt in Washington.
For the draw itself, you can expect FIFA to go 'big,' employing huge celebrity power, legendary footballers, both current and long retired, and probably our fair share of musical acts to convey the idea that FIFA President Gianni Infantino is “with it,” and can relate to the new generation of fans.
2026 World Cup Draw: How it works
Countries will be drawn from one of our four pots, with 12 teams in each. The spots reserved for the playoff teams will be placed in Pot 4.
Pot 1: Includes the three co-hosts, plus the next nine highest FIFA ranked qualifiers.
Pots 2 and 3: The following top 24 qualifiers.
Pot 4: The lowest-ranked qualifiers and playoff teams.
The FIFA World Cup Pots have been CONFIRMED 🍿👀
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 25, 2025
Tune in December 5th on FOX to catch the entire 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw 🔥 pic.twitter.com/4cqeOw2Nna
A team will be pulled from each Pot and allocated to a group. As a co-host ,Canada already knows it will be the head of Group B. The draw will continue until we have 12 groups of four teams.
-> Visit NorthStar Bets for latest Team Canada odds
-> Visit NorthStar Bets for latest Team Canada odds
Canada Scenarios: Best and worst case
With the tournament expanding by so many teams, there is less likely to be a traditional 'Group of Death,' but that is not to say Canada won't have challenging group. By viurtue of being in Pot 1, it will avoid having to face a true powerhouse such as Spain or Germany, although the potential of facing a Croatia or Uruguay is possible as both of those nations are in Pot 2.
Norway is another squad to fear in Pot 3 as Erling Haaland and Co. tore through World Cup qualifying putting up 32 goals.
Canada's worst case scenario? It could find itself in Group B with Uruguay, Norway, and perhaps Italy if it navigates its way through the World Cup playoff.
The best case? Canada lands in a group with Austria, Uzbekista,n and Cape Verde(?) With respect of course...
A potential fun group for Canada? How about Colombia and its brilliant, travelling fans, Scotland and its Tartan Army, alongside playoff team Wales, and the bad blood that this summer’s friendly with Canada in Swansea conjured between them?
That would be exciting, compelling, and a great experience, whether you are fortunate enough to own a ticket or not.
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