Overview

• President Donald Trump announced the draw date and Washington venue alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
• Trump displayed a photo with Vladimir Putin and said the Russian leader might attend depending on Ukraine negotiations, though Russia remains suspended from the tournament.
• Trump pledged tight security for the D.C. ceremony and noted existing U.S. entry restrictions, with stated exemptions for athletes, coaches, staff and immediate relatives.
• It is undecided whether Trump will take part in drawing the teams, which Infantino called an interesting proposal to be discussed.
• Only 42 of 48 teams will be confirmed at the draw, with six playoff spots to be assigned as placeholders before March 2026; the event begins June 11 in Mexico City and ends July 19 in East Rutherford.