FIFA changes the rules for the 2026 World Cup draw.

FIFA has confirmed the adoption of a Wimbledon-style draw mechanism, ensuring that the strongest teams will only face each other from the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup onwards if they finish first in their groups.

The four strongest teams will avoid the prospect of facing each other early on.

According to the new system, the top 4 teams in the FIFA rankings, including Spain (1), Argentina (2), France (3) and England (4), will be divided into two opposing branches right from the start of the schedule building.

This means the Three Lions could avoid facing France, Argentina, or Spain until the semi-finals, provided they finish top of their group. This mechanism was previously tested by FIFA at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

"To ensure balance, two separate brackets leading to the semi-finals have been established. The four highest-ranked FIFA teams will be placed in two opposing brackets and cannot meet before the semi-finals if they all finish top of their groups," the FIFA announcement stated.

The tournament bracket model, similar to that of tennis, is designed to allow top players to meet in the final, as was the case with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon. In football, the same goal is to maximize the likelihood of a final between the two strongest teams in the world .

However, this adjustment is controversial. Smaller teams worry that prioritizing seeding will reduce the element of surprise and fairness. Conversely, those in favor argue that the top four teams qualify for the semi-finals, but could still face difficulties as early as the round of 16 or quarter-finals.

The draw will take place on December 5th, and FIFA will announce the detailed schedule, venues, and kick-off times one day later.

A close-up of Ronaldo's elbowing incident: In the early hours of November 14th, Cristiano Ronaldo lost control during Portugal's 0-2 defeat to the Republic of Ireland in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the European region.

Source: https://znews.vn/fifa-doi-luat-boc-tham-world-cup-2026-post1605928.html