The event, scheduled for 18:00 CET, will confirm the venues and kickoff times for all 104 matches in the expanded 48-team tournament, which will take place across the US, Canada, and Mexico next June and July, the governing body stated on Monday.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino will host the presentation alongside former players, with representatives from the 42 teams already qualified – as well as those still competing for places – expected to attend.

However, Iran announced it will boycott Friday’s draw. FIFA did not respond to requests for comment. Reuters.

FIFA explained that the post-draw match assignment process is designed to ensure the best conditions for players and fans, and where feasible, to enable viewing across multiple time zones.

The final schedule will be confirmed in March after the last six qualification spots are decided via FIFA and European playoffs.

The 2026 World Cup – the first to include 48 teams and 104 matches – will be hosted by 16 cities across three countries, with nearly two million tickets already sold for the event.