Trump announces draw for 2026 World Cup in Washington
Washington, Aug 22 (EFE). –
President Donald Trump announced Friday that the draw for the group stage of the World Cup to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026 will take place on Dec. 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington.
“It’s a tremendous honor to bring the global event and this incredible group of people and these unbelievable athletes – the best athletes in the world – to the cultural center of our nation’s capital,” Trump said.
Trump made the announcement in the Oval Office of the White House in the company of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and members of his government, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.
The World Cup, to be held in 16 cities between June 11 and July 19, 2026, will be the largest in history with 48 teams, 16 more than in the editions between 1998 and 2022.
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest, most complex set of events in sports history. And the Kennedy Center will give it a phenomenal kickoff and will be involved,” Trump said regarding the draw to be held at the renowned venue.
Prior to the event, Trump visited the Kennedy Center to see the refurbishment work.
During the event, Infantino presented Trump with the World Cup trophy, affirming that it is a trophy that only “winners” like him and Leo Messi, who he said was the last to hold the trophy in his hands, usually touch.
“Only the FIFA presidents, presidents of countries, and then those who win can touch it because it’s for winners only,” said Infantino.
Then, he added to Trump, “And, since you are a winner, of course, you can as well.”
Trump asked if he could keep the cup in the Oval Office until the World Cup is held, which he already did with the trophy from the Club World Cup held in the US this summer. EFE asb/mcd
