Las Vegas has been confirmed as the host city for the FIFA World Cup group stage draw on December 5, 2025, bringing a nostalgic return to the city after its role in the 1994 draw.
Multiple outlets report that the ceremony will likely be held at the Sphere, a cutting-edge 17,500-seat venue renowned for its 54,000 m² LED display, which opened in 2023. FIFA reportedly selected Las Vegas after ruling out candidate cities in Mexico and Canada, despite neither hosting actual tournament matches.
This will be the first World Cup draw to feature 48 teams, who will be placed into 12 groups of four, with all match pairings and order revealed for the expanded format shared by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. In all, 12 groups of four nations will be drawn.
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The Sphere is currently the favorite location, although the MGM Grand Garden Arena and T-Mobile Arena were previously considered. WWE, holiday residencies, and the Zak Brown Band’s scheduled performance on the draw date pose potential booking conflicts—FIFA may opt for an earlier slot or alternative venue if needed.
For context, Las Vegas previously hosted the 1994 World Cup draw at the Las Vegas Convention Center with a star-studded line-up including Stevie Wonder and a video message from President Bill Clinton. That tradition comes full circle in 2025, as FIFA brings the draw back to “Sin City” in a similar glamorized setting