President Trump Announces 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw at Kennedy Center
President Donald Trump announced the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will be held at Washington's Kennedy Center on December 5, a move aligning with his second-term priorities.
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Overview
- President Donald Trump announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will take place on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
- The announcement was made alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Vice-President JD Vance, with Infantino bringing the World Cup trophy to the Oval Office.
- Trump has reportedly taken control of the Kennedy Center, appointing himself as chairman and replacing the board of trustees with loyalists.
- The United States is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup tournament with Canada and Mexico, marking the first time the event spans three nations.
- The 2026 tournament will feature 48 teams competing in 104 games across 16 North American cities, with the draw determining the bracket structure.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing Donald Trump's personal ambition and assertive control over the Kennedy Center. They highlight his desire to rename the institution and his deliberate actions, such as ousting appointees and claiming influence over honors, to portray a narrative of self-aggrandizement. The collective editorial choices underscore his pursuit of personal legacy.
"The draw at the Kennedy Center will determine the World Cup’s groups, and the games each team plays in the opening round."
Associated Press"Trump has taken an intense interest in the Kennedy Center, making his fourth visit to the institution on Friday to survey contractor plans to renovate the complex."
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FAQ
The Kennedy Center was chosen for the 2026 World Cup draw partly because President Donald Trump, who appointed himself as chairman and replaced the board of trustees with loyalists, wanted a venue where he could have strong control over the event's planning and presentation.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first to be hosted by three nations—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—and the first to feature an expanded format with 48 teams playing 104 games across 16 North American cities.
The announcement was made in the Oval Office with President Trump, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and Vice President JD Vance present. Infantino brought the World Cup trophy to the Oval Office, and Trump touched the trophy, joking about keeping it and commenting on its weight and appearance.
The draw will determine the group stage and the games each of the 48 teams will play in the opening round, finalizing key details such as team matchups and scheduling, which are essential for organizing the tournament across the 16 host cities.
The U.S. host cities for the 2026 World Cup matches are New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium), Dallas (AT&T Stadium), San Francisco Bay Area (Levi's Stadium), Miami (Hard Rock Stadium), Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Seattle (Lumen Field), Houston (NRG Stadium), Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field), Kansas City, Missouri (Arrowhead Stadium), and Boston (Gillette Stadium).
History
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