The date and location of the 2026 World Cup draw were unexpectedly unveiled on Friday. The event is set to occur in Washington, D.C., on December 5 at 12 p.m. ET at the Kennedy Center. President Donald Trump announced this news in the Oval Office alongside Vice President JD Vance and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Previously, the draw appeared destined for Las Vegas, but relocating it to the nation’s capital will ensure Washington, D.C. remains engaged, even though no matches will be held there next summer.
During the announcement in the Oval Office, Trump sported a red “Trump Was Right About Everything” hat. Infantino presented him with event tickets while the World Cup trophy was displayed on the president’s desk. Trump playfully inquired if he could keep it.
“We are excited to host the most anticipated Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup in history in the cultural and entertainment heart of the United States, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.,” said Infantino. “The draw is a major tournament milestone and will further the remarkable build-up to the biggest sporting event ever, as many landmark FIFA events across North America prepare for 2026. We look forward to welcoming team delegations, our partners, global media, and fans from each of the 16 Host Cities to our nation’s capital for this significant occasion.”
The draw is a pivotal moment in preparing for next summer’s tournament, as all 16 host cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will determine where each team will play. While initial preparations have begun, some aspects, like language facilitation, cannot be finalized until participating teams are confirmed.
Along with the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, ten teams have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Ecuador, New Zealand, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, and Uzbekistan. The remaining six will qualify through playoff matches scheduled for the U.S. in March 2026.
When the U.S. hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the draw happened at the Las Vegas Convention Center. In contrast, the Kennedy Center, now managed by Trump, will provide a venue where he can exert significant influence over the event’s presentation. Already chairing the White House Task Force for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Trump will play a vital role in coordinating an event expected to attract unprecedented attendance.
