Trump FIFA Announcement: 2026 World Cup Draw to Be Held in Washington
What city will host the draw for the world’s most prestigious football tournament? How will the expanded format of the 2026 FIFA World Cup shape the future of the game? These questions were answered as US President Donald Trump confirmed that the official draw will be staged in Washington, D.C. on 5 December 2025.
Washington Chosen Over Las Vegas
The announcement ended speculation that the draw would be held in Las Vegas, as was the case for the 1994 tournament hosted by the United States. Instead, the Kennedy Center, a renowned performing arts venue and one closely tied to Trump, will take centre stage for football’s global spotlight.
Calling it “the biggest, probably the biggest event in sports,” Trump underlined the magnitude of the moment, speaking from the Oval Office alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
An Expanded World Cup
The 2026 edition of the World Cup will be the largest in history, with 48 participating nations instead of the traditional 32. Spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the tournament will feature 104 matches on a scale never seen before.
Infantino emphasised the spectacle by describing it as the equivalent of staging “104 Super Bowls.” He also confirmed the global reach of the draw, predicting an audience of one billion viewers when the groups are revealed in December.
Trump’s Trophy Moment
During the announcement, Infantino presented the World Cup trophy inside the Oval Office. In a lighter moment, Trump held the trophy and asked with a smile, “Can I keep it?” This exchange highlighted the celebratory nature of the day while also reflecting the strong ties between FIFA and the US administration.
Tournament Format
The draw will split the 48 teams into 12 groups of four. From there, the top two teams in each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage. This structure ensures more matches and more opportunities for emerging football nations to showcase their talent on the biggest stage.
Key Details
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Hosts | United States, Canada, Mexico |
| Teams | 48 nations |
| Matches | 104 |
| Draw Date | 5 December 2025 |
| Draw Venue | Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C. |
| Global Audience | Estimated one billion viewers |
The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is now firmly under way. With Washington preparing to host the draw in December, anticipation is building for a tournament that promises to redefine global football.
