First FIFA World Cup Final Draw to Ever Air Live in the United States on English-Language Broadcast Television  Special Event Coverage Begins Friday, Dec. 5 at 11:30 AM ET on FOX Live from Washington,

The Socceroos will get their home send-off before next year's World Cup final adventure in North America by hosting a special FIFA-backed tournament on Australian soil.

The USA have leapfrogged Mexico to restore their status as CONCACAF's top side, at least on the FIFA Men's World Rankings, which have also confirmed advantageous seeding for the Democratic Republic of Congo and Iraq, who will get a bye to the finals of the World Cup's inter-confederation playoffs.

FOX Sports announced on Friday that it will air an unprecedented 3 ½ hours of live coverage of the World Cup draw for the first time ever on broadcast television in the U.S.

World Cup qualifiers Australia and Uzbekistan will prepare for the tournament by hosting FIFA-backed tournaments of intercontinental friendlies in March.

Germany have moved into ninth place ahead in the latest FIFA men's rankings ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw, likely sealing a place in Pot 1 for the draw.