Trump Sets 2026 World Cup Draw for Dec 5 in Washington
Trump Announces 2026 World Cup Draw in Washington, Jokes About Trophy
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump revealed on Friday that the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in the US capital. During the announcement, Trump humorously asked if he could keep the iconic golden trophy for himself.
The 48-team global football tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set for next year. Trump, standing alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the Oval Office, called it “the biggest event in sports.”
Infantino, who has maintained close ties with Trump, brought the World Cup trophy for the announcement and allowed Trump to hold it.
“Only FIFA presidents, world leaders, and winners are allowed to touch it. Since you are a winner, of course, you can as well,” Infantino remarked.
Trump, lifting the trophy with both hands, quipped: “Can I keep it? That’s a beautiful piece of gold.”
There was a brief moment of tension when Trump appeared to fumble the trophy before safely placing it on his desk, as Infantino reached to steady it.
World Cup Final Ticket and Putin’s Possible Visit
Infantino presented Trump with a symbolic ticket for the World Cup Final — Row 1, Seat 1 — scheduled for July 19, 2026, at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, just outside New York City.
Trump also suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin might attend the event, citing a recent photo sent by Putin after their summit in Alaska.
“He wants to be there very badly,” Trump said, adding his attendance would depend on the progress of ongoing Ukraine peace talks.
Trump’s Kennedy Center Move and Security Plans
The World Cup draw was initially expected to be held in Las Vegas, but Trump shifted the venue to the Kennedy Center, which he controversially took over earlier this year. He argued the center, named after former President John F. Kennedy, had become too “woke” and hinted that it could soon be referred to as the “Trump-Kennedy Center.”
Trump visited the venue earlier on Friday and promised major renovations, including marble cladding to “beautify” the historic site.
The US president also highlighted a federal crime crackdown in Washington, involving the National Guard, to ensure safety for football fans visiting during the tournament.
For more information on the FIFA World Cup, visit Wikipedia.
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