FIFA confirmed that the basis for the World Cup 2026 draw — how the 42 finalists and six place-holders for eventual playoff winners will be divided among the four pots — will be the November Men’s World Ranking.

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Paul Kennedy edited Soccer America for 41 years (1985-2026). He began writing for SA in 1974. He started writing for France Football in 1978 and has served on in Ballon d'Or jury since 2007.