President Trump introduced on Friday that the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will happen on the Kennedy Middle, following his administration’s take over of the Washington, D.C., cultural heart.
The draw shall be held on Dec. 5, Trump stated within the Oval Workplace flanked by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Homeland Safety Secretary Kristi Noem, Vice President Vance and particular envoy Ric Grenell who’s interim Kennedy Middle government director.
“The World Cup draw will set up the group stage of competition,” he stated, touting that the occasion will contain 48 groups over 104 video games throughout 16 North American cities.
Trump known as the World Cup the “biggest event in sports.”
“It’s a tremendous honor to bring the global event and this incredible group of people and these unbelievable athletes, the best athletes in the world, to the cultural center of our nations capital,” he stated.
The president visited the Kennedy Middle earlier within the day, assembly with contractors to take a look at the work he stated was wanted on the establishment. Trump stated that by the point the draw happens in December, the Kennedy Middle shall be in higher situation.
“By that time, it will be in even better shape, we’re working on it,” he stated concerning the draw.
The president additionally quipped that he thinks the identify of the establishment may very well be modified to incorporate him.
“Some people refer to it as the Trump Kennedy Center but we’re not prepared to do it right now. Maybe in a week or so,” he stated.
Infantino delivered to the Oval Workplace with him the gold trophy that the winner of the World Cup wins and handed it to Trump.
“It’s for winners only and since you’re a winner, you can as well touch it,” Infantino stated, noting that the final participant to carry it was Argentina soccer star Lionel Messi.
Trump responded, laughing, “Can I keep it? We’re not giving it back.”
“The biggest event ever and everything will start here in Washington, D.C., at the Kennedy Center— or the Trump Kennedy Center,” Infantino stated.
Trump has tapped Andrew Giuliani, an ally and son of former New York Metropolis Mayor Rudy Giuliani, to steer a activity drive overseeing the 2026 World Cup and he convened a gathering of the duty drive on the White Home in Might.
