President Donald Trump revealed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, a pivotal event setting the stage for the tournament’s group stage, will take place on December 5, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The announcement, made during an Oval Office event alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Vice President JD Vance, underscores the global significance of the tournament, which Trump called “probably the biggest event in sports.” The U.S., co-hosting with Canada and Mexico, will see 104 matches across 16 cities, marking the first World Cup with 48 teams.
The draw, expected to attract over 1 billion viewers worldwide, will divide 48 teams into 12 groups of four, determining their opening-round opponents. Infantino likened the tournament’s scale to “104 Super Bowls,” a sentiment Trump echoed, noting, “Each game is essentially a Super Bowl, some even bigger.” The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026, at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium and culminates with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Notably, Washington, D.C., is not a host city for matches, making the Kennedy Center’s selection as the draw venue a strategic choice to spotlight the capital.
Trump’s involvement adds a unique dimension, as he has assumed chairmanship of the Kennedy Center and replaced its board with loyalists, even floating the idea of renaming it the “Trump/Kennedy Center.” When asked if he might personally draw team names, Trump deferred to Infantino, who called it an “interesting proposal” for further discussion. The event, set for noon ET, will blend entertainment with the procedural task of grouping teams, a tradition seen in past draws like the 1994 event in Las Vegas, which featured Stevie Wonder.
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Speculation had pointed to Las Vegas as the likely venue, with FIFA reportedly in advanced talks for sites like the Grand Garden Arena. However, the shift to D.C. aligns with Trump’s hands-on approach to the tournament, including his oversight of a $257 million Kennedy Center renovation tied to the U.S.’s 250th anniversary in 2026. At the announcement, Infantino presented Trump with the first ticket to the World Cup final and, in a rare move, allowed him to hold the iconic trophy, despite a soccer superstition that only winners should touch it. Trump, remarking on its “beautiful gold” design, jokingly suggested keeping it for display in the newly gold-decorated Oval Office.
Security was a key focus, with Trump highlighting his deployment of the National Guard and federalized D.C. police to ensure safety for the event. “Visitors, including FIFA’s chief, can walk safely and enjoy dinner—if they can get a reservation,” he quipped. On visa concerns for international fans, Trump noted a smooth process for some countries but hinted at challenges for others, referencing a June 2025 travel ban that includes Iran, a qualified team. Exceptions exist for athletes and support staff, but not fans, potentially complicating attendance.
With 42 of the 48 teams known by December—including automatic qualifiers U.S., Mexico, and Canada—the remaining six will emerge from March 2026 playoffs hosted in North America. Tickets go on sale September 10, 2025, with FIFA anticipating high demand. As preparations intensify, Trump’s involvement signals a high-profile kickoff for what Infantino called a tournament that will “unite the world” in America, setting the stage for a historic World Cup.
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