WASHINGTON — The group stage for the 2026 World Cup is taking shape as the draw is underway at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

The draw ceremony began at noon ET to determine which countries will join the U.S. in Group D.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump initiated the draw by picking their teams for Groups A, B and D. This was ceremonial — the host teams’ placement in those groups was determined in advance.

A lineup of sports icons helped draw the names from the pots, including hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge, NBA giant Shaquille O’Neal and Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion.

The Americans, coached by Mauricio Pochettino, were pre-assigned to Group D

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