WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has confirmed that the draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on December 5, 2025.
Standing alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House, Trump called the upcoming tournament “probably the biggest event in sports” and even joked about keeping the golden World Cup trophy for himself.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams for the first time in history. Trump, who returned to the presidency last year, emphasized that the event will be a proud moment for the U.S. under his leadership.
During the Oval Office announcement, Infantino allowed Trump to hold the coveted trophy, saying only winners are permitted to touch it. Trump lifted it with a smile, jokingly asking, “Can I keep it?”
The U.S. president also hinted that Russian President Vladimir Putin “may or may not” attend the tournament, depending on the progress of Ukraine peace talks.
Trump added that while World Cup visas would be “very easy” for most fans, travelers from certain nations under U.S. travel bans might face difficulties.
The event will mark the first time the World Cup draw is held at the Kennedy Center, a venue Trump has controversially sought to rebrand as the “Trump-Kennedy Center.”
