Trump Announces Kennedy Center as Venue for 2026 World Cup Draw
President Donald Trump has confirmed that the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place on December 5 at Washington’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The announcement was made during a ceremony at the White House, where Trump appeared alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Vice President J.D. Vance.
The event marks a symbolic moment for Washington, D.C., which is not among the host cities for the tournament but will now serve as the stage for the unveiling of the group stage matchups.
Trump described the choice of venue as “a tremendous honor” and praised the Kennedy Center as a cultural landmark capable of reflecting the global significance of the competition.
FIFA President Infantino brought the World Cup trophy to the White House for the occasion, allowing Trump a rare photo opportunity with the prized silverware.
Infantino noted that the Kennedy Center would provide a fitting stage for what he called “one of the most watched events in global sport.”
The 2026 edition of the World Cup will be the largest in history, with 48 teams competing in 104 matches across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Mexico City will host fixtures, while the U.S. capital, though absent from the list of match venues, gains prestige through hosting the draw.
Security and logistics for the ceremony are already a key talking point. Trump highlighted that federal agencies, including Homeland Security, are coordinating with the National Guard and local authorities to guarantee safety during the event. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem further assured that streamlined visa procedures would be introduced to make travel easier for fans arriving for the tournament.
The Kennedy Center, which is currently undergoing a $257 million renovation, is expected to serve as the World Cup’s communications hub in the U.S. and will be central to media activities surrounding the draw.
Officials see the event as both a sporting and cultural showcase, bringing global attention to the capital even as matches take place elsewhere.
For the United States, co-hosting the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico presents both an economic opportunity and a chance to highlight its influence on the global stage.
By placing the draw in Washington, organizers and the Trump administration are aiming to underscore the nation’s central role in the spectacle.
The December draw will reveal the groupings and initial fixtures, officially setting the stage for a World Cup that promises to be the most expansive and widely watched in history.
