2026 FIFA World Cup Draw Confirmed at Kennedy Center Washington D.C.

President Donald Trump announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will take place on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., which he also chairs. The event, expected to be a high-profile production with speeches and performances, will mark a major milestone in the buildup to the largest sporting event in history, involving 48 teams competing across 16 North American cities. FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the significance of hosting the draw at the nation's cultural and entertainment heart, welcoming team delegations, global media, and fans. Trump linked the event to ongoing renovations at the Kennedy Center and touted improvements in Washington, D.C., including a federal crackdown on crime, while Homeland Security pledged streamlined visa processes for international visitors. The draw ceremony is anticipated to reach over a billion viewers worldwide and is seen as the kickoff to a $30 billion economic boost and creation of an estimated 185,000 jobs in the U.S. The announcement underscores Trump's close involvement with the World Cup and his efforts to elevate the profile of the Kennedy Center as a key venue in the tournament.