FIFA Plans 2026 World Cup Draw in Las Vegas

FIFA is in advanced negotiations to hold the 2026 World Cup draw in Las Vegas, revisiting the city that hosted the event in 1994. Several prominent Las Vegas venues, such as the MGM Grand Garden Arena, are under consideration, though The Sphere and T-Mobile Arena are less likely due to scheduling conflicts. The draw, scheduled for December 2025, will assign the expanded field of 48 teams into 12 groups and is expected to attract commercial partners to the city. Despite Las Vegas not being a tournament host city, local officials and business leaders are enthusiastic about the potential economic and promotional benefits. However, FIFA has also discussed moving the event to Washington, D.C., to facilitate the participation of President Donald Trump, including options for a scaled-down ceremony at the White House. Trump could instead participate via a video message or attend the event in Las Vegas, following precedents set by previous presidents like Bill Clinton.