Overview
- President Donald Trump and FIFA’s Gianni Infantino confirmed the draw from the Oval Office, setting a 12:00 p.m. ET ceremony on Dec. 5.
- The selection of the Kennedy Center replaces earlier expectations that Las Vegas’s Sphere would host the event.
- Infantino allowed Trump to hold the World Cup trophy and handed him the first ticket to the 2026 final.
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said visa applications will receive thorough review but visitors will be welcomed.
- FIFA’s timelines continue, with an expanded 48-team, 104-match tournament across the U.S., Mexico and Canada and ticket sales beginning Sept. 10.