Particle.news
Download on the App Store
64 ARTICLES
·
1h ago

Trump Sets Dec. 5 World Cup Draw at Washington’s Kennedy Center

Infantino said World Cup ticket sales begin Sept. 10.

President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office while FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Vice President JD Vance look on. Trump announced the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw will take place at The Kennedy Center.
US President Donald Trump holds the World Cup trophy in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on August 22, 2025. Trump announced the 2026 World Cup draw will be held on December 5 at Washington's Kennedy Center. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP)
Image
President Donald Trump holds the FIFA World Cup Winners Trophy during an announcement in the Oval Office

Overview

  • President Donald Trump announced the venue and date from the Oval Office alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who let him hold the trophy and presented him the first ticket to the final.
  • The draw at 12 p.m. ET will determine group-stage matchups for a 48‑team, 104‑match tournament spanning the United States, Canada and Mexico.
  • Infantino said the event will be broadcast worldwide and projected an audience near one billion as he likened the schedule to “104 Super Bowls.”
  • Selecting the Kennedy Center underscores Trump’s control of the institution as chairman and its ongoing renovation ahead of major 2026 events.
  • The choice marks a shift from earlier expectations of a Las Vegas draw, giving the U.S. capital a marquee World Cup moment despite not hosting matches.