The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw is set to take place on December 5, 2025, at the iconic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C, USA.
The announcement was made by U.S. President, Donald Trump, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a press conference at the Oval Office.
The tournament would be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time three countries would host the World Cup together.
-The 2026 FIFA World Cup would feature 48 teams, a significant increase from the traditional 32-team format.
A total of 104 matches would be played across 16 host cities, including Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The draw would determine the groups for the tournament, with the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout stage.
Trump described the upcoming tournament as “probably the biggest event in sports.”
He echoed Infantino’s description of the competition as being equivalent to hosting “104 Super Bowls,” adding, “Some of them are bigger than Super Bowls, actually.”
He reassured the public about the safety measures in place for the event.
He noted that the National Guard deployments and federal law enforcement support would ensure a secure environment for the high-profile ceremony.
The Kennedy Center would undergo a $257 million renovation ahead of the event, and it will also serve as FIFA’s main World Cup office in the U.S.
The draw would be broadcast live worldwide, expected to reach a massive audience of one billion viewers.
President Trump expressed interest in participating in the draw, but noted that the decision ultimately rests with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
