Trump Announces 2026 World Cup Draw at Kennedy Center
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump revealed on Friday that the draw for the 2026 World Cup will take place on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. He hinted that he might take part in overseeing the event, which he described as one of the biggest in sports.
“It’s probably the biggest event in sports,” Trump said during an announcement alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Vice President JD Vance. This tournament will be special as it will feature 48 teams, up from 32, and the U.S. will co-host the event with Canada and Mexico.
The draw will sort teams into groups for the tournament, determining how they will compete in the initial rounds. Infantino compared the upcoming matches to “104 Super Bowls,” emphasizing the excitement that fans can expect. Trump echoed this sentiment, suggesting that every match will carry the weight and thrill of a Super Bowl.
The competition kicks off on June 11 at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium, culminating with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Although D.C. will host the draw, it won’t be one of the tournament’s host cities.
Trump expressed confidence that the Kennedy Center will provide a remarkable start to the event and declined to confirm whether he would draw the team names, referring to Infantino as “the boss.”
Infantino acknowledged that Trump’s involvement was an intriguing idea, and the two are set to discuss it further. Previously, there were rumors that Las Vegas would host the draw, as it has in past tournaments, blending entertainment with the event’s serious business.
As the draw approaches, 42 of the 48 teams will be known, with the final six determined by playoffs in March. Trump took the opportunity to highlight his administration’s commitment to safety during the event, noting the deployment of the National Guard and enhancing security in Washington.
He also addressed concerns about overseas fans obtaining U.S. visas, explaining that it would be easy for some countries, while others may face more challenges. Notably, a travel ban includes Iran, which has qualified for the World Cup, although exceptions apply for athletes and their support teams.
In an interesting twist, Infantino brought the World Cup trophy to the Oval Office, adhering to a tradition where players avoid touching it before winning. Trump humorously commented on keeping it in the Oval Office, recognizing it as a stunning piece of gold art.
This event signals a significant moment for sports fans across the nation, uniting the U.S. in anticipation of the World Cup.
