Trump Announces 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw at Kennedy Center

President Donald Trump, chairman of the Kennedy Center, announced that the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place at the Kennedy Center on December 5. Trump was joined by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in the Oval Office to make the announcement. The president praised his administration's efforts to crack down on crime in Washington, D.C., citing low crime numbers and a zero-murder rate in the city since the federal takeover.

Key Takeaways:

• The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will take place at the Kennedy Center on December 5.
• The president highlighted the administration's efforts to reduce crime in Washington, D.C., citing low crime numbers and a zero-murder rate.
• The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted in 16 cities across North America, including the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
• The tournament will begin in June 2026 and will feature 48 teams playing 104 matches.
• President Trump has established a White House task force to prepare for the tournament.
• Matches in the U.S. will be played in Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Kansas City, Atlanta, Miami, Boston, Philadelphia, and East Rutherford, New Jersey.
• The president joked that the city will be "nice" for the draw, saying that visitors "don't have to worry about walking down the street, Johnny, okay?"

Statistics:

• 16 cities will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• 48 teams will participate in the tournament.
• 104 matches will be played in total.
• The tournament will take place in June 2026.
• Matches in the U.S. will be played in 11 different cities.

Sources:

• President Donald Trump
• Deadline
• The Washington Times
• FIFA
• The White House Press Release