World Cup 2026 draw set to unfold in Washington in December, Trump confirms
The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in Washington this December, US President Donald Trump announced. The tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and will expand to 48 nations, up from 32, with a total of 104 matches across the three host countries.
The draw had been expected to take place in Las Vegas, the city where the 1994 World Cup draw was held, but it will instead be staged at the Kennedy Center, the performing arts venue where Trump serves as chairman.
“It’s the biggest, probably the biggest event in sports,” Trump said. FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who arrived with the World Cup trophy, joined the announcement from the Oval Office at the White House. Infantino said the draw would be broadcast live around the world and watched by about a billion viewers, noting the 48 participating teams and 104 matches—“104 Super Bowls,” he described.
Infantino even invited Trump to hold the trophy during Friday’s news conference, prompting Trump to quip, “Can I keep it?”
What this means and how it shapes the tournament
– A landmark expansion: The World Cup will feature 48 teams for the first time, increasing the number of group-stage games and opportunities for more nations to compete on football’s biggest stage.
– North American hosting: Games will be spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, highlighting a broad, cross-border logistical effort that will require coordination across multiple venues and time zones.
– Ceremony and visibility: Holding the draw in Washington and tying it to a high-profile public event is expected to maximize global media attention ahead of the tournament.
Summary
The 2026 World Cup draw underlines a historic expansion and a major collaborative effort across three North American nations, with Washington set to host the official draw and a spectacle aimed at delivering peak international attention as teams learn their paths to a record-breaking tournament.
Context and outlook
This event signals FIFA’s ongoing push to grow the World Cup’s footprint and market reach. While the expanded format promises more nations and more matches, it will also bring greater logistical complexity in scheduling, travel, and venue management—challenges that organizers say are manageable with a coordinated multi-country approach.
Note: This rewrite reflects the information provided and aims to present it clearly for readers while adding context on implications and future considerations.