US President Donald Trump has confirmed that the official draw for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup will take place in Washington this December, moving away from the originally anticipated location of Las Vegas.

The draw is scheduled for 5 December at the Kennedy Center, a prominent performing arts venue where Trump serves as chairman. 

The decision marks a departure from tradition, as the 1994 tournament draw—when the US last hosted the World Cup—was held in Las Vegas.

"It's the biggest, probably the biggest event in sports," Trump declared at the announcement event, held at the White House.

The 2026 World Cup will be a landmark edition of the tournament, featuring an expanded 48-team format, up from the traditional 32. It will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making it the first World Cup jointly hosted by three nations.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino joined Trump at the announcement, bringing with him the World Cup trophy and highlighting the global significance of the event.

“The draw will be broadcast live all over the world and will be watched by one billion viewers,” Infantino said. “It will be 48 participating teams. There will be 104 matches—104 Super Bowls!”

During the light-hearted moment, Infantino offered Trump a chance to hold the World Cup trophy. “Can I keep it?” the president quipped.

The tournament format will see the 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-place finishers advancing to the knockout stages.

Source: BBC

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