FIFA President Gianni Infantino took part in the UEFA Preliminary Draw for the European qualifying competition for the FIFA World Cup 26™ and said he was looking forward to an incredible and emotional contest.

54 European teams entered the draw, which took place at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland, and they were drawn into 12 groups of four or five teams. They will be battling for a record 16 European slots in Canada, Mexico and the United States following the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams.

Introducing the draw next to the FIFA World Cup™ trophy, the President said: “Here it is - the most iconic, the most beautiful, the most incredible trophy, not just in the world of sport but in the world. This is what you're all looking for, what you all want to win, to hold in your hands, to celebrate.”

The FIFA President recalled that European teams had won 12 out of the 22 editions of the FIFA World Cup. “At this stage, I can just wish you the best of luck; first for the draw, then, of course, for the qualification games,” he told the audience of European national team coaches. “That will be incredible, emotional and fantastic. And then, of course, I'm looking forward to seeing 16 of you participating at the greatest (FIFA) World Cup ever, in 2026, in Canada, Mexico and the United States.“