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Isa Soares Tonight
FIFA Draws Participating Countries In Next Year's FIFA World Cup In U.S.A, Mexico, Canada; Football Fans Across The World React To FIFA Draws; Draw Complete For 2026 World Cup; Countries Learn Their World Cup 2026 Matchups. Aired 2-3p ET
Aired December 05, 2025 - 14:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[14:00:00]
ISA SOARES, HOST, ISA SOARES TONIGHT: Hello, and a very warm welcome to our special coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, I'm Isa Soares, coming to
you live from London. And the World Cup draw is a sporting event quite like no other. No winners, no losers, not even a hint of competition.
And yet it attracts a global audience eager to project the paths of their beloved teams in the biggest sporting event in the world, taking place next
year in the U.S., in Canada and in Mexico. The draw is almost finished. Of course, we're starting to see some of the groups fill up, about three or so
of the groups are full now.
I'm thinking Group A, Group B, Group C, and the whole thing got underway with the leaders of host nations Canada, Mexico and the U.S. conducting a
ceremonial draw as you can see there, to place their teams into their groups. And just before the draw began, FIFA President Gianni Infantino
presented the first ever FIFA Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Infantino praised President Trump for his efforts to end wars and conflicts across the globe, and said that football only thrives in places where peace
is president -- present. Have a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GIANNI INFANTINO, PRESIDENT, FIFA: And you definitely deserve the first FIFA Peace Prize for your action for what you have obtained in your way,
but you obtained it in an incredible way.
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: This is truly one of the great honors of my life. The world is a safer place now. The United States
one year ago was not doing too well, and now I have to say we're the hottest country anywhere in the world, and we're going to keep it that way.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SOARES: Sitting next to me has been sitting next to me for the last two hours is Amanda Davies, she's jotting it all down as we see the groups, and
we're starting -- they're starting to fill up, aren't they, Amanda? Just talk us through some of the ones that we've got. Let's talk through Group A
at the moment --
AMANDA DAVIES, CNN SPORTS REPORTER: Yes, so, I think carrying on the theme, as we were saying --
SOARES: Yes --
DAVIES: I think the hosts are going to be pretty happy so far. So Mexico kicking off the tournament in their group, the Korea Republic, South Korea,
South Africa and the winner of playoff D, that is the playoff, of course, the system which is taking place, ultimately, we won't find out the team
until March.
But in the hunt for that, Denmark, the Czech Republic, the Republic of Ireland and North Macedonia. Canada, I guess of all the teams in the
playoff, the one that people were --
SOARES: This is Group B, right?
DAVIES: This is Group B --
SOARES: Group B --
DAVIES: Canada, the one that people wanted to avoid was playoff A, which is the one that Italy is in. You know, former World Cup winners looking to
make it back into the World Cup, having missed out at this stage for the last two editions in the tournament. And I guess that is the one banana
skin for Canada in Group B, that sees Canada, the playoff A winners, Qatar, who as we were talking about, the worst ever hosts, in footballing terms --
SOARES: Yes --
DAVIES: Of a football World Cup last time out and then Switzerland. A brilliant Group C --
SOARES: This is potentially --
DAVIES: What --
SOARES: Group of death, I don't know, there's quite a few --
DAVIES: It is the fourth team I think is --
SOARES: Oh, my producer won't like that. He said the fourth team --
DAVIES: It's going to -- it's going to be really tough -- no sorry, fourth, I would say the last team to be drawn --
SOARES: To be drawn, OK --
DAVIES: Haiti --
SOARES: Haiti, OK --
DAVIES: An incredible story --
SOARES: Yes --
DAVIES: Back in the World Cup for the first time since 1974, everything that they've been through, you know, a team that have got a coach who
hasn't even been to Haiti, given the state of the situation --
SOARES: Yes --
DAVIES: Players who are scattered around the world, they have qualified, a massive achievement. And depending on which way you look at it, either a
really tough draw or a really incredible opportunity to be playing five- time champions, Brazil, Morocco and then Scotland. We were saying --
SOARES: Yes --
DAVIES: It's a massive moment for Scotland as well back in their first World Cup since 1998.
SOARES: For team USA, they're in Group D there, they've got a nice cushy group, don't they?
DAVIES: I don't -- we don't want to be too disrespectful to Paraguay and Australia --
SOARES: I mean, I'm just meaning in comparison to some of the other ones.
DAVIES: Yes, exactly. I think they would be very happy that their pot 2 country was Australia. They're also drawn against Paraguay, and I've missed
-- so, they've got playoff Group C --
SOARES: C --
[14:05:00]
DAVIES: So, that will either be Turkey, Slovakia, Kosovo or Romania in that one. Defending champions Argentina is quite an interesting one. Teams
perhaps not the sexiest in world football, but really solid and can do a job when they need to. So, Ralf Rangnick; former Manchester United manager
leading Austria, they've got Algeria also in their group and Jordan, the World Cup debutants after 40 years of trying.
They are -- they are in Group J. And then who else should we mention? I, I think is the other one --
SOARES: Yes --
DAVIES: Isn't it?
SOARES: It's a good one.
DAVIES: It's a really good one. France, runners up, four years ago in Qatar, Didier Deschamps, such a legendary player and a manager here for his
one last hurrah with the -- with the national team. They have been drawn in a group with one of the most talented African nations, Senegal. The likes
of Sadio Mane --
SOARES: Sadio Mane, yes --
DAVIES: In their team, so, there will be a real clash of some brilliant players. But then, of course, that kind of bogey team that everybody was
looking to avoid in part three, Erling Haaland's Norway. And it's the only way to describe them.
SOARES: Maybe it's Haaland's way --
DAVIES: And the man who is more like a machine when it comes to his goal scoring and one of the playoff winners as well.
SOARES: How is Group K? I'm just thinking of my --
DAVIES: I wonder why you're asking, Isa --
SOARES: I'm asking about Portugal, I'm looking at Portugal here. Colombia, Uzbekistan, play off winner.
DAVIES: So, the play off winner, you've got --
SOARES: Wide(ph), right?
DAVIES: Democratic Republic of Congo --
SOARES: OK --
DAVIES: Jamaica.
SOARES: Oh, good.
DAVIES: Whose Manager, Steve McClaren has just retired -- resigned because he didn't make it automatically. So, I'm not sure who is in charge there at
the moment. And New Caledonia --
SOARES: Oh, well --
DAVIES: Who I think, it's fair to say would be an unknown to most on the international footballing stage.
SOARES: And for viewers watching us, of course, in the U.K., we're looking also at Group L, that's got England, it's got Croatia, a match up that we
have seen before. We've also got Ghana, this should be interesting --
DAVIES: Fascinating --
SOARES: And Panama.
DAVIES: Yes, it's a real throwback to 2018, England up against Croatia and Panama in the 2018 --
SOARES: Yes --
DAVIES: World Cup. And Ghana, again, one of those, the African teams with a whole load of talent and ambition, I think it's --
SOARES: Yes --
DAVIES: Fair to say, and wanting to make waves.
SOARES: And as you can see from our graphics and our air, the draw is almost complete. We are seeing the last one is Group G. This is the last
group. Just a reminder, we have Belgium in that group, Egypt, New Zealand and Iran, that is Group G. Iran, of course, making it to the World Cup,
questions over whether they will -- people will be able to fly over because of some of the bans that President Trump has in place. But a huge moment.
DAVIES: Yes, I mean, Iran is a team that has as many issues that they're dealing with off the pitch as on it. You know, their delegation had talks
about potentially boycotting this draw because of the fact with President Trump's travel ban. Their supporters and many of their friends and families
aren't going to be allowed into the country.
But they have attended, and they are looking for what would be a first win at a -- at a World Cup finals. But playing for so much more than just the
football.
SOARES: So, we've now -- I think it's fair to say Amanda, have -- the draw has been completed. We have a sense of -- you should have a sense by now of
who you're facing, what country your country is facing. In the next couple of moments, we should understand, shouldn't we, Amanda, what is the
toughest team where everyone likes to call the group of death and where we have a chance?
Now, we can see it clearly for us and hopefully we can bring some of those groups up for you. But, I mean, the French group seems to me look really
strong, right? That is group -- remind me again --
DAVIES: Group I --
SOARES: Group 5 --
DAVIES: France, Senegal --
SOARES: France, Senegal --
DAVIES: Norway and then the winner of Iraq, Bolivia again against Suriname. But I think what -- I think that the group of death with all four of the
big hitters, we have avoided that.
SOARES: Yes --
DAVIES: Scenario --
SOARES: Because of the new system, right?
DAVIES: Because of the new system and because you know, Norway and Italy, who would have been the "pot four" in inverted commas, the weakest team
have been kept separate. That would have been the worst case scenario for the pot one and the pot two teams. But you've got Italy potentially --
(LAUGHTER)
DAVIES: Yes, they have missed out at this stage at the last two editions of the tournament. And I think Wales certainly will have something --
SOARES: Yes --
DAVIES: To say -- to say about Italy and their chances. But yes, the fact that, that playoff, a winner has been drawn into Group B alongside Canada,
who are the worst of the co-hosts in terms of --
SOARES: Football --
DAVIES: Ranking --
SOARES: In terms of ranking --
DAVIES: In terms of -- in terms of the ranking --
SOARES: Yes --
DAVIES: Against Qatar and Switzerland. I mean, if Italy do make it through, they will be -- they will be pretty happy, you have to say with that as a
group.
[14:10:00]
And likewise, as we were saying with Group C, I mean, that has some serious big hitters with some serious footballing heritage in terms of Brazil,
Morocco, Scotland and then Haiti, you know, back in this World Cup and at this stage for the -- for the first time in -- well, since 1974.
SOARES: How is Curacao looking? Because I think they're in Group E, I think had Germany. It's the first time for them. This is a big deal!
DAVIES: This is a huge moment for Curacao, the smallest --
SOARES: Yes --
DAVIES: Ever country to book their place at a footballing World Cup. We saw those scenes of celebration after they drew 0-0 with Jamaica --
SOARES: Let them be --
DAVIES: Which was the result that put them through to their first-ever World Cup finals. And they are in a group with Germany, former winners, of
course --
SOARES: Yes --
DAVIES: Ivory Coast, the defending Africa Cup of Nations champions, and Ecuador, another team with some really good World Cup pedigree. So, they --
you know, they're a team who have a strategy. They have players based around the world from the Diaspora who are really talented, and yes, it's
going to be really fascinating to see how they do.
Because you know, we talk about the matchups, England, Croatia, Panama, they know each other very --
SOARES: Yes --
DAVIES: Well.
SOARES: They played -- yes, exactly.
DAVIES: Curacao is going to be an unknown quantity for so many of these team B --
SOARES: That might be a positive. And that might be a -- that's much decision --
DAVIES: Very much that -- .
SOARES: Amanda, thank you very much. As you can see, it's now -- the draw has been complete. You should be able to get a sense now of what country is
facing each other. Get your Panini stickers out, remember those? I think those still exist --
DAVIES: They very much still exist --
SOARES: Right, I can imagine my kids saying, let's start --
DAVIES: Yes --
SOARES: Doing this. The excitement starting right now, and we'll have much more of our special coverage of the World Cup draw after this short break.
And then we'll talk with the Sports Minister of the smallest country ever to qualify for World Cup action. You know, who it is, Amanda just teased
it. That's next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SOARES: As the leaders of host countries United States, Mexico and Canada gathered at the Kennedy Center in Washington, here are some of the
highlights from the FIFA World Cup Draw, South Africa and Mexico will play the opening match. Both teams are in Group A, they will play on June 11th
in Mexico City.
And you've got to love the World Cup draw and its ability to produce some of the best matchups imaginable. Group I is looking particularly strong
already with France, Senegal and Norway drawn together.
[14:15:00]
For more on how fans are celebrating reacting to the draw, I want to bring in CNN's Andy Scholes, who is live for us in Atlanta. So, Andy, how is team
USA --
ANDY SCHOLES, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT: Yes --
SOARES: Feeling here? How are you feeling about this? Not bad.
SCHOLES: Oh, the vibe here is good, Isa, the fans are feeling great about the draw that they just got, though, the party is still going on here in
the streets of Atlanta. A lot of anticipation post-draw here because they're about to give away two World Cup match tickets to one of the
matches that's going to be here in Atlanta.
So, a lot of people still on the edge of their seats here in the street. There's going to be eight matches here in Atlanta, including a semifinal.
And I've talked to a lot of the fans loving the draw. They saw, you know a big cheer happened when the Australia was announced because, of course,
they were the lowest-ranked team in pot two.
So, they're excited about that. I got a U.S. super fan, Mike Reese(ph) here with me. Mike, how are you feeling about that draw?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, that's great. I mean, it's not too hard, but it's not -- there's not a bunch of underdogs there. So, it's -- we've got every
single one of the U.S. opponents is a different group. So, we've got to prepare differently. It's going to be great.
SCHOLES: With it being on home soil, how far do you think team USA is going to go?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I still believe that we can make the semi-finals, but it's got to be a team effort, It's got to be the -- both the fans, the
people here, the players, they are going to come with their A game, not worry about the money, just come out and play for the USA.
SCHOLES: Now, you, like so many people, I mean, been just -- eyes locked onto that screen watching this draw. How many World Cup games do you
yourself plan on trying to get to?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, right now, I have tickets for one game --
SCHOLES: OK --
UINIDENTIFIED MALE: And I hope to have a few more. I'm also volunteering, so I'm going to be there as a volunteer here in Atlanta. My goal is to get
to about ten --
SCHOLES: Ten?!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So --
SCHOLES: Ten?!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, that's the goal. I've been saving for this, the money is there and we're going to make this happen.
SCHOLES: All right, well, good luck and go team USA --
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All right, thank you --
SCHOLES: Thanks for -- thanks for joining us, Mike(ph) -- so, Isa, there you go. I mean, a lot of fans are so excited, and ten games would be quite
the feat, I tell you what --
SOARES: Wow --
SCHOLES: Because these games aren't -- you know, there's eight here in Atlanta, but they're certainly spread out around the whole United States.
But I'll tell you what? This was such a fun atmosphere, so many people can't wait for this coming Summer, because I can't imagine how great it's
going to be when the World Cup is here in the U.S., Mexico --
SOARES: That --
SCHOLES: And Canada.
SOARES: That is a lot of love and dedication. I tell you that much. I mean, I love the sport, but maybe not that much. Group of death. You and I were
talking, what? Two hours ago? How was -- is there one that you're looking that you think are the strongest?
SCHOLES: What was that again?
SOARES: Can you hear me, Andy?
SCHOLES: Yes, I can hear you, but --
SOARES: I was asking you --
SCHOLES: I couldn't hear you when you asked me the question --
SOARES: I was asking you, is there a group that you think is the toughest out there?
SCHOLES: Oh, you know, Isa, it's been -- I've been trying to follow as best as I can from deep in the crowd, but you know, I'm pretty much locked in
where the U.S. is playing at this point. I haven't really paid much attention to every single one of the other groups.
SOARES: Don't worry, don't worry, because as you're talking, we're looking, Andy, at live images of President Trump and Gianni Infantino, of course,
the draw has wrapped up. We -- very -- stay with us, we -- it's clearly finished now, we were seeing President Trump just moments ago -- thank you,
seeing President Trump draw -- dancing to "Y.M.C.A", to Village People, "Y.M.C.A", very colorful indeed, but clearly, leaders of Canada, Mexico and
United States, I think it's fair to say from what Amanda was saying, don't go away, Andy, very happy.
Is he gone? Right, OK, wanted to thank, Andy, but thank you anyway, let's get more on the groups. Joining me now is Patrick Snell in Atlanta. So,
Patrick, let me put the same question to you.
PATRICK SNELL, ANCHOR, CNN WORLD SPORT: OK --
SOARES: How are the looks -- the groups looking like.
SNELL: All right --
SOARES: Kind of fair --
SNELL: Yes, all right --
SOARES: At this moment, the new system, right?
SNELL: Isa, just fascinating scenarios. Everywhere you go -- we've been waiting for months to get to this day, and this draw has absolutely
delivered, and there's one group that I want to home in on, it's group I, if we can put up group I, because it has some star-studded matches for me.
It has France, Senegal, Norway, plus the playoff winner.
What does France, Norway get you, Isa? It gets you a certain match-up of two of the most in-form and decorated deadliest strikers in world football.
We're talking Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland; the Norwegian goal machine, just 25 years of age, Haaland, as Norway gets to the World Cup for the
first time since 1998.
This is a fantastic group. France, Les Bleus, they need no incentive to try and put right the wrongs of what happened in the final of the 2022
tournament when they lost from their point of view, an absolutely heartbreaking fashion to eventual winners, Argentina.
[14:20:00]
Despite the fact that Mbappe scored a hat-trick in that fantastic final. So, that is going to be absolutely sensational. Box Office material. Mbappe
going head-to-head with Erling Haaland, who had a sensational qualifying campaign, didn't he? The 25-year-old, and England fans don't like to hear
this, Isa?
Where was Erling Haaland born? He was born in Leeds, England, so, he was theoretically eligible to play for the English national team, I guess he's
the one that got away, right? The one that got away, Erling Haaland scored 16 goals, a record 16 goals in qualifying, including two recently in the 4-
1 thrashing of Italy at the San Siro. Absolutely devastated.
So, I can't wait for that. I do want to get to England because that I do have a certain -- you know, a certain leaning towards England, shall we
say.
SOARES: Open to hear, yes --
SNELL: But I will say this, Isa, as a longsuffering England fan, you know, they haven't even won the World Cup in my lifetime, and that's saying
something. You have to go back to 1966 for the last time England's men's team won anything of substance. I can tell you that, though. Croatia will
make it very tough for them indeed.
Croatia getting themselves to the 2018 final, a semifinals in 2022 as well. They're going to be very difficult to handle. And Ghana, Ghana don't make
it --
SOARES: Yes --
SNELL: Easy for anyone, so, that's going to be absolutely fascinating. I want to get to Brazil, Monaco -- Morocco --
SOARES: Yes --
SNELL: Scotland, Haiti. That's in group C. Group --
SOARES: Yes --
SNELL: C, Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti. First of all, Scotland, what a story. Like Austria and like Norway, the Scots are playing in their first
World Cup since 1998. Scott McTominay must be absolutely delighted and champing at the bit at this. But the Brazilians are going to have it tough
with Morocco. Morocco, wow, what a storyline they served us up in the Qatar 2022 World Cup when they got to the semifinals.
Their under 20s just became the first African nation ever to win the under 20 World Cup. So, they have a wonderful blend of experience and youth. But
I do like Brazil in so many ways, by their standards, Isa, they kind of have been flying under the radar, haven't they? Relatively speaking, when
you consider they are the competitions most successful country, they've won the World Cup five times.
They've competed in every World Cup since the tournament's first edition, going back to 1930. They're now under the astute leadership of storied
Italian head coach Carlo Ancelotti. And if anyone knows how to deliver -- to deliver silverware, it is going to be he. I actually saw Brazil win the
2002 final. I was in the stadium for that in Japan.
And if you told me then, Isa, that, that would be the last time, up until this moment that they would win the World Cup, I would never have believed
you. Such was their dominance at that time. They have a standout youngster in Estevao, 18 years of age, he plays his club football for England's
Chelsea.
He actually prefers to go by the name Steve. He scored a wonderful goal recently in the Champions League against Barcelona. He is absolutely one to
watch. It's just fantastic story lines everywhere you look, and Ancelotti will be, I think quietly, very confident about that draw. You should take -
- no nation should take any other nation lightheartedly at all.
SOARES: Yes --
SNELL: A special moment for Haiti, they're playing in their first World Cup since 1974. And as I say, the USA in conclusion, in my book, the USA as
tournament co-hosts will be very happy with that draw. They got Australia, Paraguay, a playoff nation as well. The USA, you know, they got to the
quarterfinals back in 2002.
And I remember everyone saying at the time, that's it. That's a springboard, we've cracked it. Well, no, because they've regressed since
then. The USA have some wonderfully-talented players, Weston McKennie plays at one of Europe's leading clubs, Juventus, you've got Christian Pulisic at
Milan as well. You've got Tyler Adams at English Premier League, Bournemouth.
These are top players. America have some wonderfully-talented players and they're playing at European's -- European club football's leading clubs.
And in my opinion, under Mauricio Pochettino now, they have got to step up and they have got to deliver for this madly passionate fan base they have.
I've lived over here in America now for over 20 years. The game has grown absolutely immeasurably, and it is time for the national team. They need to
take a leaf out of the book of the women's team, because the American women's team just outstanding successes over the years. The U.S. men's
team, I do think will be inspired.
I think the fans will get behind them next Summer, and I think the U.S. will deliver a really good performance. How do they define success? I think
they've got to be looking to at least the round of 16, because that's where they got to last time in Qatar. Why not go for the quarterfinals again --
[14:25:00]
SOARES: Yes --
SNELL: And do what they did back in 2002?
SOARES: I think they'll be feeling very happy, Paraguay right in there, Australia as well. It seems from the fans with Andy Scholes were very
excited indeed. Thank you very much, Patrick, really appreciate it. And still to come right here on the show, it's the third time Mexico hosts the
World Cup. We'll take you to Mexico City for a live report on how fans are reacting to that draw.
Plus, we'll have more on the big contenders in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including Spain, England and Argentina. Special coverage continues after
this break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SOARES: Welcome back to our top story. And that is the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A quartet of legendary North American stars. Tom Brady, as
you can see there, Shaquille O'Neal, Aaron Judge and Wayne Gretzky drew the names out of the various pots, as you can see, to assemble the field.
FIFA has complicated rules for determining each group to ensure, as you can imagine as much balance as possible and that things go off without a hitch.
Joining me now is World Sports Amanda Davies, if you're just joining us, Amanda, it's been quite a draw. This started off slowly, but it all
happened very quickly.
Now, we have a sense of the groups. Talk us through some of the groups, the standout groups, the groups you think -- well, let's start with the host
nations. How about that?
DAVIES: Let's do that. I mean, should we rewind a little bit, as in --
SOARES: Yes --
DAVIES: You know, we were talking about how the last time the U.S. hosted a World Cup draw in 1994, it set a new bar and a new standard --
SOARES: Yes --
DAVIES: For the draws. This definitely is going to be one that's talked about for years to come for so many different reasons, isn't it? From the
political standpoint, from the show standpoint. In terms of a cross-section of music from Andrea Bocelli --
SOARES: Yes -
[14:30:09]
DAVIES: -- to Robbie Williams, to Lauryn Hill, to Village People.
SOARES: Village People.
DAVIES: I think we've ticked all the boxes, haven't we? So, that very much --
SOARES: It appeals to a wide audience.
DAVIES: Exactly that, which is just what this World Cup wants to do. The most diverse in terms of the countries that are included, 48 nations from
around the world, and people were worried that suddenly having 12 groups might dilute the football. You know, we have still got the action to come,
but you have to say 12 groups, A to L, there are some brilliant ones on paper. The happiest I think will be the host.
SOARES: As we as we heard from Andy Scholes.
DAVIES: As we heard from Andy Scholes and the fans. You know, they are aiming high and we know that a successful showing by the host countries.
We've never had three before, but we know a successful showing by the host nations helps the success of a -- of a tournament. And I think across the
board, Canada potentially would be a little bit concerned because they may have Italy four-time champions in group B.
SOARES: And in group -- and Canada is group B, right?
DAVIES: In group B if they make it through the playoffs. But they would have to be happy on the flip side with Qatar and Switzerland as their
potential contenders. And then if you move to group D with the United States looking to go better than that last 16 showing in Qatar four years
ago. They've never made it past the quarterfinals. Of course, that was their best showing as Pat was saying in 2002 in Japan. They have been drawn
alongside Paraguay, Australia, and the playoff winner from Group C.
Boss Mauricio Pochettino, we've just seen him interviewed on some of the cover -- coverage. He is a man who's under a lot of pressure because he was
brought in with the U.S. hoping to have built on Qatar 2022, but actually very much going in the wrong direction. There's been a lot of players
called out from the legends from the U.S. Men's National Team saying you don't want it enough, you're not invested enough. Some of their results
haven't been very good. They've lost to both Mexico and Canada in the last 12 months despite being a better-ranked team.
So, he now very much wants to shift the narrative. And if anything is going to help him do that, it's going to be --
SOARES: It's going to be this.
DAVIES: -- this draw.
SOARES: And just before we go to break, Amanda, I mean, now we've got the draw. The draw is set. Do -- when will we fans get a sense of when the
games will be and then what stadiums? Because I'm sure as we heard from that gentleman who was with Andy Scholes, he's got like eight tickets, but
he wants to find out where he can go, right? When will the -- from logistical perspective, when will people start finding --
DAVIES: Well, if we've learned something from the last three hours, it's that everything involved with this tournament is going to be a show. And we
have another show taking place on Saturday.
SOARES: Right.
DAVIES: And that is where basically there's a -- there's a bit of time that needs to take place in terms of the teams working out their bases and the
proper nailed on logistics. So, within the next 24 hours, there will be another show. We will have legends of the footballing game involved
discussing the matchups and the ultimate dates, times, and locations will be revealed for all of us.
SOARES: And to give you a sense, three countries, several time zones, right?
DAVIES: Yes.
SOARES: Miles and miles apart some of these cities.
DAVIES: Such a contrast from what we saw in Qatar where people were able to do multiple games in a day. This is going to be very, very different. But
from what we're hearing about ticket sales, FIFA said just last week two million have been sold from people across 212 different countries and
territories and that was even before the draw.
SOARES: That's something we heard from President Trump as well today. Amanda, thank you very much. She's -- Amanda is going to stay with us.
Still to come right here, teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026 have learned who will they'll be matched up on the opening stages. We'll have the view
from Spain and Argentina. That's coming up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[14:36:35]
SOARES: Right now, some of the world's most storied coaches and players have gathered at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the U.S.
Capital. They have just learned which of the 12 groups the 48 teams will be placed in for the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Matchups include
Brazil, Morocco, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, Mexico, and United States. As we've been telling you in the last three hours, our host countries. And
fans across the world are either reveling or having sweaty palms and stressing out about it.
CNN's Ivan Perez Sarmenti live from us in Buenos Aires, Pau Mosquera in Madrid, Spain. Let me go first to you, Pao. How is everyone feeling about
their groups? I mean, Furia Roja not doing too bad. Group H, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay.
PAU MOSQUERA, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Isa, I can tell you that there are mixed emotions when it comes to the contenders that Spain
will be facing in the Group H. We've been monitoring closely the draw inside of a sports bar that is located here downtown Madrid alongside other
soccer fans and they were well quite expecting who could it be the other nationals teams that will be facing next year. They say that they are not
really easy contenders because they said that there is no easy rival when it comes to soccer. Nevertheless, they seem happy about the result and how
the group is being composed.
We actually have been talking to some of them about what are their expectations regarding next year and that's what they told us.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're hoping round of 16 quarterfinals, but I think we could go higher, but I also think with a hard group, you know, you never
know. You could always might get knocked down the group stage. So, hoping for the best.
You know, France looks strong, Spain. Argentina -- I'm not sure Argentina is going to be great, but definitely France, Spain, England, those are the
big ones.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MOSQUERA: Well, many of the Spain soccer fans are expecting the national team to do it better than they did in 2018 in Russia and 2022 in Qatar.
This means getting far from the run of 16. And actually they have a lot of expectations on the new talents that we have here in the Spanish soccer.
Meaning for example, Lamine Yamal, Pedri, many other soccer players that have demonstrated the very best when it came to the Euro League that Spain
won last year. And they are expecting that they can do as they did last year and maybe taking Spain to the final in New York. Isa?
SOARES: Yes the first World Cup for Lamine Yamal is fantastic. Let me go to Ivan Perez Sarmenti in Buenos Aires. Ivan, you know, in Group H with Spain
is Cape Verde, a new country. You've also got one as Jordan debutant here. How is Argentinians feeling regarding their chance? You got Spain, Uruguay,
Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde.
IVAN PEREZ SARMENTI, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, here in Argentina, there was a lot of anticipation around today's draw to find out
who the most recent World Cup champions next rivals will be. Finally, we know Argentina leads the J Group and will face Austria, Algeria, and
Jordan.
The first match will be with Algeria. They are back at the World Championship after 12 years. The second one will be Austria whose last
participation in a World Cup was in 1989. And the last one is Jordan making their debut at the World Tournament. So, it seems to be easy. With the same
coach, Lionel Scaloni, and the same GOAT Lionel Messi. Argentina will face all of them dreaming of its fourth cup.
In that sense and hoping to beat them, it's important to remark that --
[14:40:21]
SOARES: Unfortunately, we're losing you, Ivan. We've got a connection is issue with you, but what I got from you is that it seems Argentines are
very happy with what they've got, of course. Argentina of course has won previously, the last winners. The big question right now, which we don't
know -- have the answer for you, is whether Lionel Messi -- Leonel Messi will be taking part. We'll continue this conversation after this very short
break. Do stay right here.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SOARES: Well, the big day in Washington is coming to an end for the FIFA World Cup Draw. From celebrities to world leaders, it was an event like no
other. The updated match schedule will be released on Saturday. So, we still have a few hours before we know which games of course will take place
at which stadiums across. Have a look at some of the host cities. You can see across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Host cities include
Vancouver, Los Angeles, and Guadalajara.
Joining me now is World Sports Amanda Davies. She's been with me right from the get-go. Amanda, we -- we've spoken about some of the groups. Just talk
us through what you think and the ones that perhaps have the best chances of going all the way.
DAVIES: Yes, I mean, I think you have to look at the obvious options. I hate to say that, but I mean Argentina as the defending champions you were
talking about, the question marks over Leonel Messi.
SOARES: Group J.
DAVIES: That is Group J. The -- I mean, the word on the street coming out of the United States, you know, Messi in action with into Miami in the MLS
Cup final on Saturday looking to get his hands on silverware is that he's playing with us. I mean, he's -- the only caveat he's given is that he
won't be there if his body lets him down. But of course, he knows the importance not only for Argentina --
SOARES: The pressure on him, right?
DAVIES: He plays at this World Cup tournament, but also because of what he means for football in this part of the world and particularly everything
he's done in the United States. And Argentina and Lionel Scaloni will be very, very happy with that draw as we were hearing because of the relative
kind of recent history of the teams they've been drawn against in Group J in footballing terms. But it is not an easy thing to successfully defend a
World Cup title.
And you know, Spain are the top-ranked team in the world, unbeaten in 30 matches with such an array of young talent, of course, led by Lamine Yamal
who it's really exciting to see on the world stage for the first time.
[14:45:29]
SOARES: I can't wait to see him in action.
DAVIES: He burst onto the scene at the European Championships as a 16-year- old doing his school exams at the same time as being part of his national training camp and really just dealt with the weight of that pressure. He's
still got that in terms of his domestic game. And your questions being asked about is he being -- is he receiving the right guidance behind the
scenes, but he deals with it in a footballing sense absolutely expert --
SOARES: He seems pretty grounded, doesn't he?
DAVIES: Very, very grounded in the footballing terms and very much in that kind of Leo Messi kind of school of thought. And he talks about what being
at that Barca Academy learning from the likes of Brazil's Neymar and Messi and kind of how that very much helped him.
And Spain's group, you know, they have a score to settle after going out on penalties in Qatar much earlier than they expected, but they're in that
group with the newcomers Cape Verde who very much have been impressing in African football, but this is a big new leap for them. Uruguay, the
smallest country ever to have won the World Cup. They've done it twice, but of course a very, very long time ago, led by the veteran coach that is
Marcelo Bielsa.
And in that group is Saudi Arabia. Now, Saudi Arabia didn't make it out of the group in Qatar. They are a country building with that longer-term
picture in mind. But let's not forget they caused that massive story in their opening game in Qatar four years ago beating Argentina. People
thought it was the end of the world for Messi's --
SOARES: The celebrations.
DAVIES: -- World Cup. The celebrations were huge.
SOARES: Yes.
DAVIES: So, that's going to be really interesting to see. And they will want to beat Saudi Arabia, will be wanting to make an impact because of the
investment in football not only in the country but of course around the world as well. And yes, let's mention that. That Group C is -- I think that
one is the one for me --
SOARES: It brings up Brazil. That's with Brazil, right?
DAVIES: that is the one that is Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland.
SOARES: And Haiti, talk us through some of the new -- the new countries joining, right, as part of this. Haiti is one of those.
DAVIES: No. So, Haiti was previously at a World Cup in 1974, but has obviously had a very, very long time. And given the political situation in
the country, it's been really, really tough for them. They've been playing their home games outside of Haiti. Their coach has been in charge but
hasn't even been to visit the country, not met his players at home as it were. So, that's a really fascinating story and one that people will be
very excited about learning about and witnessing at the World Cup.
But in terms of the new nations, yes, Cape Verde, as I mentioned, very much leading the way from the African contingent, the newcomers, qualifying
where the likes of Nigeria and Cameroon, the huge kind of powerhouses as they've been, haven't. Jordan in the World Cup draw for the first time
after 40 years of trying. They are in the same group, Group J as Argentina, the defending champions.
And then Curacao, the smallest nation. I mean, I was -- I wasn't sure whether I'm allowed to say. I've only known about Curacao because of the
blue liquor that we put in a cocktail when I was too young and at university.
SOARES: Where are you at uni, yes.
DAVIES: But apparently, you know, it is from Curacao. They are the smallest nation ever to have qualified for a World Cup. And they will have one of
the most experienced coaches --
SOARES: That's right, yes.
DAVIES: -- in the international game.
SOARES: The oldest coach as well.
DAVIES: He will be the oldest coach.
SOARES: Right.
DAVIES: 78 years of age. Dick Advocaat, former coach of the Netherlands. If there is a man who knows how to put together a football team and knows how
the systems work and to do things the right way, it is him. And it has paid off so far, bringing them to their World Cup finals. And as you can see, in
a -- in an epic group from a footballing sense of the -- of the term with four-time champions Germany, Ivory Coast, the Africa Cup of Nations,
defending champions.
SOARES: I love -- I love an underdog. I'm all behind Curacao.
Let's bring in Patrick Snell. Patrick, just join us in the conversation here. Who -- what group are you excited about? I know you were telling me
the United States is very excited. People are, you know, happy with the group. It seems that they got -- they believe they can go all the way. Your
take on the draw this year.
SNELL: Yes, so many compelling storylines. Just to pick up on Amanda's point about Curacao, I still have these images in my mind when they clinch
that point. They clinch qualification with that point in Kingston, Jamaica against the Jamaican National Team. The Jamaican National Team has to go
into the playoffs. But they're literally players sinking to their knees after that. Grown men fighting back tears as the magnitude of the occasion
actually sunk in there. A population of about 155,000.
And Dick Advocaat who Amanda was mentioning there, he wasn't even at that match. He had to go back to Europe for personal reasons. So, he missed out
on that particular triumph. So, what a storyline around him as well. It's just incredible to see.
[14:50:39]
Now I mentioned the one massively star-studded matchup in Group I that caught my eye literally as it came out. Those two superstar strikers of the
modern game which Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland there. France, Senegal, Norway plus one of the playoff teams. Absolutely incredible.
Erling Haaland at 25 years of age. And Amanda will know this. He was actually born in Leeds, England. So, Amanda, I mean, could he have played
for the English national team? Let me throw that to you because he's eligible, right?
DAVIES: Yes. There was no way that was going to happen.
SOARES: I love that you've been so attached to this, right? He's so attached to this. He's hoping that he will switch at some point.
SNELL: I mean, yes. I mean, he was born in Leeds, England. He's just prolific. It's frightening, actually. When I double checked his age earlier
as part of preparations for this day, just 25 years of age. It feels like he's been around forever. Just made Premier League history by becoming the
fastest man ever to 100 Premier League goals in just 111 fixtures, 16 goals in qualifying, literally terrified opponents. 16 goals in eight matches I
will say, including two against Italy at the San Siro. He has to be one of the most feared strikers in the world. And up against Kylian Mbappe. Wow,
what a storyline. This draw so many great story lines. Back to you.
SOARES: Group I, fantastic. Thank you very much, Patrick. We're going to leave Atlanta for just a second. We turn our attention to other host
nations, how they're reacting to the World Cup Draw.
Valeria Leon is in Mexico City. Valeria, what's the mood like there?
VALERIA LEON, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Isa, Mexico will face South Africa again in this opening match in the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City as
it happened 16 years ago in the 2010 World Cup. And after that match, the opening match, Mexico will face South Korea. And I'm here in one of the
soccer schools in Mexico. I'm joined by his founder and director. This is the Borussia Dortmund Soccer School. And he's actually wearing the South
Korea shirt and he picked this shirt just before the draw, isn't it?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes. Hi, Valeria. So, before the draw of the World Cup, I chose because I'm a really big fan of soccer jerseys. So, I chose this.
It was like pretty luck. And then after the draw, so it is like amazing that Mexico is facing against South Korea just as this jersey happened in
the '98 World Cup and in 2018 in the World Cup in Russia where also Mexico faced South Korea. So --
LEON: And what can we expect for this opening match between Mexico and against South Africa?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So it is pretty amazing. That it is the first time that ever in the World Cup the first match in the World Cup is the same game is
Mexico against South Africa. Also our coach of Mexico used to be the coach in back in 2010. And so, the luckiest thing I think is destiny it will be
happening the same day 11 on June. So, it will be a pretty amazing party. I think it's a friendly match. Mexico and South Africa have so many things in
common. So, we expect to receive all the South Africans here in Mexico.
LEON: Yes, we're expecting that. Thank you, Umberto.
And this is part of what Mexican -- how Mexicans are reacting to this -- the draw that after this South Africa match we're going to face -- Mexico
is going to face South Korea. And then the third match will be in Monterrey, Northern Mexico. The second one in Guadalajara. And the first
one, the opening match in Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, the main venue that is going through a full makeover and will have to wrap up by the end
of March for a friendly between Portugal and Mexico. So, that's the situation, Isa. And here everybody is like exciting but also a bit nervous
about this draw. Isa?
SOARES: I bet. Valeria, thank you very much indeed. And Amanda, just as we're wrapping up the show, she said something interesting, Valeria. It's
just a lot of the stadiums are already in place, but Paula mentioned earlier in Canada, they will have -- they've got turf. They will have to
make some changes to grasp.
[14:55:09]
DAVIES: Yes, there are -- there are World Cup rules, regulations, and restrictions. And that is very much where World Football's governing body
FIFA comes into play to make sure that the standards are the same across the board. Of course, with Mexico, you have the different altitude. So,
that does throw a different aspect into the mix in terms of this tournament across all the venues and which teams will be there or not. But this is
where it really starts. A lot of the coaches will go from the draw today to go and see their bases and where the teams are going to --
SOARES: And start soon.
DAVIES: And they start making their requests and we want longer beds, or we want more computer games for the teams, and can we bring our own chef. And
they're the kind of things that the coaches now, what are the training facilities like, do we need to bring a sauna, and how many ice baths? So,
this is where it really, really gets going.
SOARES: Gets going for the coaches and as well for those fans. They start planning their trips, right? Trying to make sure they've got all the cash.
Exciting. Amanda, thank you very much for staying with us here for -- with me for the last two hours or so.
That does it for these three hours of our special coverage. Do stay right here. "WHAT WE KNOW" with Christina Macfarlane is up next. Have a wonderful
weekend.
END
