In all, 12 groups of four nations will be drawn.

At 65, the Italian star manager, who has five Champions League titles under his belt, is taking the reins of a national team for the first time.

In an exclusive conversation with ESPN’s Simplemente Futbol, the Inter Miami superstar admitted he continues to contemplate his involvement in what would be his sixth World Cup appearance

“No, yes in a joking tone we often talk, but he has those desires to play the World Cup next year too,” Suarez told Ovacion.

Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer with 79 goals and the 32-year-old said he would have one last shot at World Cup glory in 2026.

This year's tournament brings together 10 South American teams and six invited nations from the North and Central America and the Caribbean Confederation (CONCACAF) in the second Copa hosted by the United States.

"I spoke with (Argentinian Olympic coach Javier) Mascherano, and we immediately agreed on the situation," Inter Miami forward Messi said in the interview broadcast on Wednesday.

The Tokyo foreign ministry "strongly requests the general public to refrain" from attending the match on March 26, the first for the two sides in North Korea since 2011.

Former Sao Paulo coach signed a contract until December 2026 and takes over following the sacking of Fernando Diniz.

The bidding process for the 2026 World Cup has been postponed amid allegations around the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.