US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the draw for the 2026 World Cup will take place in Washington, D.C., on December 5. The event, to be held at the Kennedy Center, was announced during a meeting in the Oval Office where Trump was joined by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Trump humorously inquired if he could keep the iconic golden trophy for himself after Infantino presented it for the occasion.
Infantino, who has developed a close relationship with the president, explained that only heads of state and World Cup winners are traditionally permitted to touch the trophy. He affirmed that Trump, as a “winner,” was entitled to hold it. The president, who won a second term last year, lifted the trophy and admired it as a “beautiful piece of gold.” The moment was lighthearted, though it drew attention as Trump appeared to briefly fumble the cup before placing it safely on his desk.
The 2026 World Cup is set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Trump emphasized the significance of the tournament taking place during his presidency and suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin may attend, depending on the progress of Ukraine peace efforts. Infantino also presented Trump with a giant ticket for the front-row seat at the final, scheduled for July 19, 2026, in New Jersey.
The United States was awarded hosting rights for the 2026 tournament during Trump’s first term in 2018. Since returning to office, Trump has implemented strict immigration policies but assured that most World Cup fans would find it “very easy” to obtain visas, though he acknowledged travelers from certain banned nations might face difficulties. The announcement underscores the blending of sports, politics, and diplomacy in the lead-up to the world’s most-watched sporting event.
