Jun 16, 2022; New York, New York, USA; The FIFA World Cup Trophy sits on the table as President of CONCACAF Victor Montagliani speaks and FIFA President Gianni Infantino looks out during The FIFA World Cup 2026 Announcement Press Conference. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports

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Donald Trump Reveals Venue for 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw

Donald Trump revealed on Friday that the draw for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup will take place on 5 December at Washington’s Kennedy Center. The U.S. president even suggested that he might personally take part in the ceremony. The announcement was made in the Oval Office alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino and vice-president JD Vance.

Notably, the 2026 World Cup Draw will determine the 12 groups and opening fixtures for what will be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams. “It’s the biggest, probably the biggest event in sports,” Trump said, sporting a red cap with the words Trump Was Right About Everything. Infantino compared the expanded month-long competition to “104 Super Bowls,” to which Trump added: “Some of them are bigger than Super Bowls, actually.”

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw will take place on December 5, 2025 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC pic.twitter.com/ANDBHPQWtG
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 22, 2025

Kennedy Center Will Give 2026 WC a Phenomenal Kickoff: Trump

The 2026 finals will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with matches spread across 16 cities. Eleven of those are in the U.S., though notably Washington, D.C. is not included among the venues. As a result, the group-stage draw at the Kennedy Center will represent the capital’s primary involvement in the tournament.

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“The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest, most complex set of events in sports history,” Trump said. “And the Kennedy Center will give it a phenomenal kickoff.” The center is currently undergoing a $257 million renovation and has been positioned by Trump as both FIFA’s U.S. headquarters and a showpiece for the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations next year.

⚽NEW🏆

Chairman of the Kennedy Center and President of the United States Donald J. Trump announces that the @FIFAWorldCup draw will take place AT the Kennedy Center on December 5th! pic.twitter.com/3LArVXEpwp
— The Kennedy Center (@kencen) August 22, 2025

The 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament will begin on 11 June 2026 at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium and concludes on 19 July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Trump, who has restructured the Kennedy Center’s board and styled himself as chair, referred to the venue as “for winners only.”

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During the announcement, Infantino presented him with a ceremonial piece of gold and a giant ticket marked Row 1, Seat 1 for the World Cup final. FIFA has also been expanding its footprint in the United States ahead of the tournament, including new offices in Miami and New York’s Trump Tower.

Donald Trump

FIFA

FIFA World Cup 2026

Gianni Infantino

Kennedy Center

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.