World Cup 2026: Trump announces venue for draw

According to US President Donald Trump, the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in Washington on December 5. The Republican announced the Kennedy Center cultural institution in the US capital as the venue.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also attended the announcement of the draw location. Recently, there had been speculation that the draw would be held in Las Vegas, where the lots were drawn at the last World Cup in the USA in 1994.

US President Donald Trump examines the World Cup trophy in the presence of US Vice President JD Vance (left) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino (right).

Source: AP

The tournament, featuring 48 nations in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, will take place in the summer of 2026. The opening match is scheduled for June 11 in Mexico City. The final will take place on July 19 in East Rutherford, near New York.

FIFA had already sought close ties with Trump at this summer's Club World Cup – including holding a press conference with the US president at Trump Tower in New York. "You can't even imagine organizing a competition like this without the absolute support and full commitment of the respective government. My sincere thanks go to President Trump and his entire team. They were fantastic," said FIFA President Infantino at the time.

In addition to the three hosts, the USA, Mexico, and Canada, ten other nations have qualified so far. From South America, world champions Argentina, Ecuador, and record winners Brazil are participating. Australia, Japan, Iran, South Korea, Jordan, Uzbekistan, and New Zealand have also secured their tickets.

The German team begins its preliminary round in Bratislava on September 4. Qualifying Group A, featuring Slovakia, Northern Ireland, and Luxembourg, is a must for coach Julian Nagelsmann's team.

By the time of the draw, only 42 of the 48 participants will have been determined. Six other nations—including four from Europe—will not qualify until March 2026 in playoff matches. These six participants are expected to be drawn as placeholders in the draw.

RND/dpa