Trump to feature at 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in Washington

Published: 04 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

US President Donald Trump will play a prominent role at the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Washington, marking one of the highest-profile World Cup ceremonies in history. The expanded 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, runs from June 11 to July 19 next year.

Trump’s attendance, confirmed by the White House, underscores his close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has accompanied Trump to international summits since the joint North American bid was awarded in 2018. The US leader is also widely expected to receive the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize during the ceremony.

The announcement comes amid international tensions, with Iran announcing it will boycott the draw after US authorities denied visas to some federation officials. Trump has also linked domestic politics to the World Cup, threatening to move matches from Democratic-run cities if he deems conditions unsafe.

Top seeds for the tournament include Argentina, host nations USA, Mexico, and Canada, five-time winners Brazil, France, Germany, Spain, England, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Cristiano Ronaldo, set to be 41 during the tournament, plans to compete in his sixth World Cup with Portugal. The expanded tournament also opens the door for first-time qualifiers such as Cape Verde, Jordan, and Curacao, while six playoff spots are yet to be decided.

The opening match is scheduled at Mexico City’s historic Azteca Stadium, with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Ticket prices for marquee games, particularly the final, are expected to be exceptionally high due to FIFA’s dynamic pricing model, with secondary market listings already exceeding $7,000.

Trump’s participation at the draw highlights the political and cultural significance of the 2026 World Cup and reflects the growing global attention on the tournament as the United States prepares to host the world’s largest football spectacle.