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.

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.

But the tide has turned. Under Craig Bellamy's leadership, the men's side have built on their modern Euros resurgence, reaching Euro 2020 and then breaking a 64-year drought by qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, only the second time Wales have ever reached the biggest stage in football.

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,

Responding to the committee in a letter and on social media, Richard Grenell, the Kennedy Center’s president, said FIFA paid several million dollars as a sponsor, instead of participating in a traditional rental agreement. He added the FIFA was paying for all expenses related to the event.

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.

Canada are Pot 1’s lowest-ranked nation, only featuring among the world’s big-hitters due to their host status. It’s great news for Jesse Marsch’s men, who will avoid the likes of Argentina, England, France and Spain during the first phase of the tournament.

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.