Overview
- Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed a short meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney before Friday’s FIFA draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington.
- White House World Cup coordinator Andrew Giuliani declined to rule out immigration arrests at U.S. matches and urged undocumented fans to leave and reenter legally, deepening concerns over enforcement at the tournament.
- Iran’s official delegation will not attend the draw after several members were denied U.S. visas, adding diplomatic strain on the eve of the ceremony.
- FIFA has Mexico seeded to lead Group A and stage the opening match on June 11, 2026 at Estadio Azteca, with the expanded 48‑team groups to be set in Friday’s draw.
- Argentina’s delegation, including Lionel Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni, arrived in Washington, while Mexican governors from Jalisco and Nuevo León traveled to promote their host cities.