2026 World Cup: Wales to learn qualifying oppoonents

Among the second seeds based on their Fifa world ranking, Wales will be in Pot 2 for the draw – meaning one of their opponents will be a top seed from Pot 1, such as Spain, France or England.

As for the countries from Pots 3, 4 and 5, Wales do not yet know whether they will be in a group of four teams or five, due to changes organisers have made to the draw procedure.

After winning their Nations League group last month, Wales looked set to be in a five-team group, which would have seen them start their campaign in March.

And while that is still a distinct possibility, there is now also the chance they could be in a group of four, with matches not starting until September.

So Friday’s draw will be significant for Wales and their planning for next year, as it will reveal the number – as well as the identity – of teams they will face in World Cup qualifying.