US President Donald Trump announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will be held on December 5 in Washington, DC. The event will take place at the Kennedy Center, which Trump recently took charge of. He called the World Cup draw “probably the biggest event in sports.”
Trump made the announcement alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House, where Trump playfully asked if he could keep the golden World Cup trophy. Infantino joked that only winners and presidents may touch the trophy, and Trump responded by lifting it with pride.
The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico next year. Trump emphasized his pride that the tournament happens during his presidency and promised easy visa access for most fans. However, he noted some countries face tougher restrictions due to US bans.
Trump also hinted that Russian President Vladimir Putin might attend the tournament, depending on peace talks in Ukraine. Putin reportedly expressed strong interest in attending the event.
The Kennedy Center, traditionally a performing arts venue, was previously slated to host the draw in Las Vegas. Trump, however, took over the center earlier this year, calling it too “woke” and planning renovations to “beautify” it. Trump reassured that Washington would be safe for World Cup visitors, citing a major federal crime crackdown in the city.