2026 FIFA World Cup Draw Set for Washington D.C.: Trump and Infantino Confirm Historic Event
The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup — the biggest edition in the tournament’s history — has taken a dramatic turn. U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the official draw will be held in Washington D.C. this December, shifting the event away from Las Vegas, where it was previously expected to take place.
The draw is scheduled for December 5, 2026, and will take place at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where Trump currently serves as chairman.
A Historic World Cup Across North America
The 2026 tournament will be unlike any other, not only because it is the first to feature 48 teams — up from 32 — but also because it will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
This expanded format means fans can look forward to a record-breaking 104 matches, spread across stadiums in three nations. As FIFA president Gianni Infantino enthusiastically noted during the announcement at the White House:
“It will be 48 participating teams. There will be 104 matches — 104 Super Bowls!”
Trump and Infantino’s Announcement
The announcement was made in the Oval Office, with Infantino even bringing along the famous World Cup trophy. In a light-hearted moment, Trump was invited to hold the trophy, jokingly asking, “Can I keep it?”
Trump emphasized the scale of the event, calling it “probably the biggest event in sports,” while Infantino highlighted that the draw will be broadcast live worldwide and is expected to be watched by over one billion viewers.
Format of the Draw
The new 48-team structure will see nations divided into 12 groups of four. From there:
-
The top two teams in each group will qualify directly for the knockout stage.
-
The eight best third-placed teams will also advance, ensuring a highly competitive Round of 32.
This expanded pathway creates more opportunities for emerging football nations to shine on the world stage while delivering even more drama for fans.
From Las Vegas to Washington
Initially, FIFA had planned to host the draw in Las Vegas, which famously staged the 1994 World Cup draw when the U.S. last hosted the tournament. However, this year, the focus shifts to the U.S. capital, giving the event a more political and cultural backdrop at the Kennedy Center.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already shaping up to be the biggest sporting spectacle in history. With matches across three countries, a record number of teams, and an unprecedented global audience, the anticipation is enormous.
The December draw in Washington will set the stage for what could be the most competitive and inclusive World Cup ever. As Infantino put it, “104 Super Bowls” await — and the world will be watching.
