The 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw will take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Trump (R) announced on Friday. The Draw will be held on December 5th, Trump said, adding: "Some people refer to it as the Trump-Kennedy Center, but we're not prepared to do that quite yet. Maybe in a week or so."
The Draw will determine the Group-sSage Matchups for the Expanded 48-Team field. Speaking from the Oval Office alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Vice President JD Vance (R) and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (R), Trump said the Kennedy Center "will give it a phenomenal kickoff."
The World Cup will be Hosted jointly by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with Games set across 16 Stadiums between June 11th and July 19th, 2026. The Draw is more than just a Procedural Event, it's a High-Profile Production featuring Speeches, Performances, and Global Media Attention. Trump is expected to Play a Leading Role during the Ceremony.
Trump's involvement with FIFA has Intensified in recent months. He attended the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Chelsea lifted the Championship Trophy. At a separate White House Event earlier this year, Trump held the New Club World Cup Trophy, presented to him by Infantino.
During Friday's Announcement, Trump turned to Infantino and asked whether He could also Hold the World Cup Trophy. Infantino Obliged, handing it over with a grin and said "only winners" are allowed to hold it. Trump joked: "Can I keep it?" and said it would fit nicely in the Oval Office.
Concerns have been raised Internationally about Travel to the U.S. ahead of the Tournament, particularly over Visa Delays, Travel Bans, and the potential for Immigration Raids during the Games. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, during the Press Conference: "As you [Trump] rightly say, with security, beautifying cities and the whole country, we want people to come, enjoy and have fun."
Vice President JD Vance (R), during a May Press Conference: "Of course everyone is welcome to come and see this wonderful event. We want them to come, we want them to celebrate, we want them to watch the games."
The Event will Mark the First Time a FIFA World Cup Draw is hosted in Washington. The Last time the U.S. Hosted a World Cup, in 1994, the Draw took place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and featured Appearances by Stevie Wonder, James Brown, and Rod Stewart. The Entertainment Lineup for this year's Event has yet to be Announced.
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