Getty Images November 25, 2025, 11:00 p.m

FIFA has confirmed a major change to the draw for the 2026 World Cup, introducing a seeding system similar to that used at Wimbledon.

This new system, which has already been tested at the Club World Cup, ensures that the four highest-ranked teams will be placed in opposite legs of the tournament grid. The aim is to give the giants the best possible chance to reach the finals or at least the semi-finals.

Under the new principle, the two highest-ranked teams (Spain and Argentina) will be randomly placed in opposite paths, and the same principle will apply to the 3rd and 4th teams (France and England).

“This will ensure that, should they win their groups, the two highest-ranked teams will not meet before the final,” FIFA said in a statement.

The new method aims to create the most balanced distribution of teams and increase the likelihood that the strongest teams will meet in the later stages of the competition, as is often the case in tennis, where the seeding system ensures finals between the best players.

While weaker teams may argue that this system undermines the integrity of the sport by favoring the world’s most successful teams, FIFA believes it will ensure competitive balance and give fans matches of the highest level.

The draw for the group stage of the 2026 World Cup will take place on December 5, and the full updated schedule of matches and stadiums will be announced the following day.