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FIFA Announces Major Change for 2026 World Cup: Top Teams Separated Until Semi-Finals

Posted : 27 November 2025

FIFA has introduced a significant modification to the 2026 World Cup draw, ensuring that the top four ranked teams—Spain, Argentina, France, and England—will not face each other until the semi-finals, provided they each top their respective groups.

This unprecedented measure aims to prevent early clashes between football’s elite and create highly anticipated matchups in the later stages of the tournament.

The decision follows a pattern of notable early-stage eliminations, such as France knocking out England in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals and Spain defeating England in the Euro 2024 final.

Under the new system, Spain and Argentina will be placed in separate semi-draws, while France and England will also be separated, making it impossible for England to meet Spain or Argentina before the semi-finals and for France to meet them until the final.

This “coupling” system, inspired by formats used in Wimbledon and the Champions League, ensures that marquee clashes occur deeper in the competition, enhancing both fairness and viewer excitement.

FIFA also confirmed the tier structure for the December 5 World Cup draw. The first tier includes powerhouses such as the USA, Mexico, Canada, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Portugal, Brazil, Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

The expanded 48-team tournament will feature 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to a 32-team knockout stage.

The competition begins on June 11 with hosts Mexico facing a second-tier team, and the final is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Notable storylines include Erling Haaland’s Norway in tier three and potential “groups of death” awaiting Italy if they qualify via playoffs.

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