The highly anticipated date and location for the FIFA 2026 World Cup draw were unexpectedly revealed on Friday. The significant event is scheduled for December 5th at 12 p.m. ET, taking place at the esteemed Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The announcement was personally made by U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, alongside Vice President JD Vance and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. While earlier reports suggested Las Vegas as the likely venue, bringing the draw to the nation`s capital ensures Washington, D.C.`s involvement, even though it will not host any matches during the tournament itself next summer.
During the Oval Office briefing, President Trump was notably wearing a red hat emblazoned with “Trump Was Right About Everything.” FIFA President Infantino presented him with tickets, with the iconic World Cup trophy prominently displayed on the president`s desk. In a lighthearted moment, reminiscent of his interaction with the Club World Cup trophy, Trump playfully inquired if he could keep it.
Gianni Infantino expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to host the most anticipated Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup in history at the cultural and entertainment heart of the United States, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.” He further emphasized that the draw represents a crucial milestone for the tournament, continuing the remarkable build-up to what is projected to be the largest sporting event ever. FIFA anticipates numerous landmark events across North America throughout 2026 and looks forward to welcoming team delegations, partners, global media, and, uniquely, fans representing each of the 16 wonderful Host Cities to the U.S. capital for this momentous occasion.
The draw marks the point at which planning for next summer`s event truly accelerates. All 16 host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico will finally learn which teams they will be hosting. Although some preliminary preparations are already underway, particularly following this summer`s Club World Cup, specific aspects like language preparation cannot be finalized until all participating teams are confirmed.
In addition to the host nations — the United States, Canada, and Mexico — ten countries have already secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. These include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Ecuador, New Zealand, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, and Uzbekistan. While 42 teams will be determined by the December draw, the remaining six qualification spots will be decided through playoff matches, scheduled to be held in the United States in March 2026.
In a notable departure from the 1994 FIFA World Cup, where the draw took place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Kennedy Center, now overseen by President Trump, offers him a significant degree of influence over the event`s planning and presentation. As the chairman of the White House Task Force on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Trump is poised to play a central role in organizing what is expected to be the most highly attended World Cup in history.
