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United States President Donald Trump has officially confirmed that the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in Washington, D.C., later this year. The event, scheduled for December 5, 2025, will be hosted at the prestigious John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a venue where Trump himself serves as chairman.
This announcement marks a major milestone as the world gears up for the largest World Cup in history, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will feature an expanded format with 48 nations competing in 104 matches, making it the most ambitious edition to date.
Donald Trump calls it the pinnacle of sports
Speaking during a press conference alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump hailed the upcoming spectacle as unparalleled in scale.
“It’s the biggest, probably the biggest event in sports,” Trump declared, underscoring the global anticipation surrounding the tournament.
Infantino, who presented the iconic World Cup trophy at the White House, emphasized the global reach of the draw.
“The draw will be broadcast live all over the world and will be watched by one billion viewers. It will be 48 participating teams. There will be 104 matches – 104 Super Bowls!”
In a lighthearted exchange, Donald Trump jokingly asked if he could keep the trophy after holding it during the announcement.
A first of its kind tournament
The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents several firsts for the sport. It will be the first World Cup with 48 teams and the first jointly hosted by three nations.
Canada will stage 13 matches, with 10 in the group stage split between Toronto and Vancouver.
Mexico will also host 13 games, including key fixtures in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
The United States will host the majority of the tournament, spanning 11 major cities.
This tri-nation collaboration promises to bring football to new audiences while uniting North America under the banner of the world’s most beloved sport.
FIFA World Cup 2026: A celebration beyond football
The announcement also aligns with Donald Trump’s vision of the Kennedy Center as a cultural hub. Currently undergoing a $257 million renovation, the venue is set to play a central role in the upcoming 250th U.S. anniversary celebrations next year. Hosting the World Cup draw adds global prestige to the landmark’s growing significance.
Building Momentum for 2026
With FIFA already establishing operational bases in Miami and New York’s Trump Tower, preparations are well underway for what promises to be a record-breaking event. Fans around the globe eagerly await the draw to learn where the journey toward football’s biggest prize will begin.
As the world’s eyes turn to Washington this December, the stage is set for a defining moment in sports history.
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