U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in Washington, D.C. this December. The highly anticipated event, which was previously slated to be held in Las Vegas, has now been shifted to the Kennedy Center in the heart of the nation’s capital. Standing alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the announcement, Trump made it clear that the world’s biggest sporting event will be tightly linked to his presidency and his personal legacy.
The 2026 World Cup is historic on multiple fronts. Not only will it be the first tournament to feature 48 teams, but it will also be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With millions of fans expected to descend on North America, the tournament is already being billed as the largest in FIFA history. Trump, never one to miss a moment of spectacle, described the World Cup as “probably the biggest event in sports,” as he proudly sported a red hat emblazoned with the phrase, “Trump Was Right About Everything.”
In a rare gesture, Infantino allowed Trump to handle the coveted World Cup trophy, a golden prize typically reserved only for champions and heads of state. “Only the FIFA president, presidents of countries, and those who win the tournament can touch it,” Infantino explained, before adding, “And since you are a winner, of course you can touch it too.” Trump admired the trophy closely, joking, “Can I keep it?” as he set it carefully on his Oval Office desk. There was even a brief moment of tension when he appeared to fumble it, prompting Infantino to steady the golden artifact with a quick hand.
The relocation of the World Cup draw to the Kennedy Center wasn’t without political undertones. Trump and his administration have recently taken steps to assert control over the historic arts venue, criticizing its leadership for being “too woke.” In fact, he hinted that some have already started referring to it as the “Trump-Kennedy Center,” though he added with a smirk, “We’re not quite ready to do that yet maybe in a week or so.” He also revealed plans to “beautify” the venue with upgrades including marble cladding, further tying the event’s new location to his vision for American culture.
The announcement didn’t stop at football. Trump used the moment to touch on broader issues, including national security. He spoke proudly of a recent federal crime crackdown in Washington, D.C., which has included the deployment of National Guard troops. The move, he said, would help ensure the city is safe and welcoming for the influx of international football fans expected next summer.
In a twist that added a dose of global intrigue, Trump also suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin is eager to attend the 2026 World Cup. While Trump noted that Putin “wants to be there very badly,” he clarified that any attendance would depend on the progress of peace efforts in Ukraine. “He may be coming and he may not,” Trump said, leaving the door open for what could become a diplomatically loaded guest list.
To commemorate the occasion, Infantino presented Trump with a symbolic ticket to the World Cup Final—Row 1, Seat 1 for the July 19, 2026 match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. With the draw just months away, and political theater already unfolding around the tournament, one thing is clear: the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is going to be anything but ordinary.
