President Donald Trump has confirmed that the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place on December 5 at the prestigious John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Speaking from the Oval Office alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Vice President J.D. Vance, Trump described the upcoming tournament as “probably the biggest event in sports.” He echoed Infantino’s description of the competition as being equivalent to hosting “104 Super Bowls,” adding, “Some of them are bigger than Super Bowls, actually.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams instead of the traditional 32. A total of 104 matches will be played across 16 host cities, from Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. While Washington, D.C. will host the draw, the city is not among the match venues.
When asked if he would personally participate in conducting the draw, Trump said the idea was “very interesting” but noted that the decision ultimately rests with Infantino, stating, “He’s the boss.”
Trump also reassured the public about safety measures for the event, highlighting enhanced security preparations, including National Guard deployments and federal law enforcement support, to ensure a secure environment for the high-profile ceremony.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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