FIFA changes 2026 World Cup draw rules

The four strong teams will avoid the prospect of meeting each other early.

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

This means the Three Lions can avoid France, Argentina or Spain until the last four, as long as they finish top of the group. This mechanism was tested by FIFA at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

"To ensure balance, two separate paths leading to the semi-finals have been established. The four teams with the highest FIFA rankings will be placed in two opposing paths and cannot meet before the semi-finals if they both top their groups," FIFA's announcement said.

The tennis-style bracket model was originally designed to facilitate the top players meeting in the final, as in the Jannik Sinner-Carlos Alcaraz match at Wimbledon. In football, the similar goal is to maximize the likelihood of a final between the two best teams in the world .

However, this adjustment is controversial. Smaller teams are concerned that the priority seeding will reduce the surprise and fairness. Conversely, the supporter's view is that the top 4 teams will qualify for the semi-finals, but may face difficulties right from the round of 16 or quarter-finals.

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

Close-up of Ronaldo's elbow jerk. In the early morning of November 14, Cristiano Ronaldo lost control when Portugal lost 0-2 to the Republic of Ireland in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Europe.

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