FIFA has announced a historic change to the World Cup draw, ensuring the top four seeded nations cannot meet until the semi-finals, a move designed to guarantee “blockbuster games” deep into the knockout rounds.
For the first time, the top four seeds will be “paired” into opposite halves of the draw:
Spain (1st) and Argentina (2nd) are paired.
France (3rd) and England (4th) are paired.
This means England avoids Spain and Argentina until the semi-finals, and France avoids them until the final, provided all four teams win their groups.
The final draw takes place on Friday, 5 December.
Draw Logistics:
Co-hosts Mexico, Canada, and the United States have pre-determined group positions.
Debutants include Uzbekistan (Pot Three) and Jordan, Cape Verde, and Curaçao (Pot Four). Scotland is in Pot Three.
Groups will not feature more than one team from the same confederation, with the exception of four groups having two European nations.
