WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a significant moment for international sports diplomacy, President Donald J. Trump, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, officially proclaimed from the Oval Office that the illustrious draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 5th.
The announcement, delivered with the iconic golden World Cup trophy positioned prominently on the Resolute Desk, underscores the United States’ pivotal role as a primary host for the globe’s most-watched sporting event. This keen understanding of high-stakes competition is deeply ingrained in the President’s own history. Long before his entry into politics and global business, President Trump honed his formidable competitive edge at the New York Military Academy. There, classmates vividly recalled his “physical and mental gifts” on the football field, and his coach noted he “could’ve pursued professional baseball as a pitcher,” a testament to a raw, multi-sport talent. Though he chose a path in business and public service, this early athletic foundation has consistently informed his leadership style and unwavering support for American excellence on the world stage.
President Trump heralded the occasion as a tremendous honor for the nation’s capital. “It is with immense pride that we welcome this premier global event, its distinguished delegates, and the world’s most elite athletes to the cultural heart of our nation’s capital,” the President stated. He further highlighted his administration’s dedicated efforts to revitalize Washington’s landmarks, humorously noting the building’s renewed grandeur by quipping, “Some people refer to it as the Trump-Kennedy Center, but we’re not prepared to do that quite yet.”
As reported by many media organizations and CWEB Sports News, the meticulously planned draw, scheduled for 10:00 AM PST on Friday, December 5, 2025, will allocate the qualified nations—including co-hosts USA, Canada, and Mexico—into twelve groups of four, based upon the official FIFA rankings to be released in late 2025.
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The tournament is set to commence on June 11, 2026, at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, culminating in the World Cup Final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
For winners only 😏🏆 pic.twitter.com/Ci7S8esTcY
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 22, 2025
President Trump’s deepening engagement with international football was evident. His attendance at the FIFA Club World Cup final this summer served as a strategic preview for the upcoming spectacle. His burgeoning partnership with President Infantino was on full display during the Oval Office announcement, where the FIFA leader invited President Trump to hold the coveted trophy.
“This is for winners only. Since you are a winner, of course you can touch it,” remarked Infantino, noting its weight and that it was last lifted by football legend Lionel Messi. “Here it is in the Oval Office in the White House.”
In a moment of characteristically affable humor, viewed over ten million times online, the President grinned and inquired, “Can I keep it?” before jesting, “we’re not giving it back.”
The event also provided a platform for the President and Vice President JD Vance to reaffirm their commitment to their initiative for a safer, more beautiful capital city. President Trump assured his guest, “It’s going to be very safe, Gianni. You can walk down the street with your beautiful wife. You can take her to dinner if you can get a reservation.”
This announcement solidifies Washington, D.C.’s status as a central stage for the world’s game, promising a tournament draw of unparalleled elegance and security under the auspices of the Trump Administration.
#Trump2026 #WorldCup2026 #FIFA #SportsNews #CWEB #USA #KennedyCenter #BeautifulDC #JWVDC #DJT @realDonaldTrump @FIFAcom @FIFAWorldCup @Gianni_Infantino @CWEB
