The White House has confirmed that US President Donald Trump will attend the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington on Friday, putting the commander in chief at the center of one of world soccer’s biggest moments.
A drawing at the Kennedy Center will determine the groupings for the first-ever 48-team World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
President Trump has repeatedly emphasized that the event will unfold during his second term to coincide with the 250th anniversary of American independence. The ceremony begins at 12:00 p.m. ET and will bring together coaches, executives and FIFA officials from each country that qualified.
President Trump is helping to expand the popularity of soccer in the United States
The United States won its bid to co-host in 2018 during President Trump’s first term, and since then President Trump has maintained close ties with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and supported efforts to increase soccer’s popularity in the United States.
The partnership has already helped secure an expanded Club World Cup on American soil, and could have implications for a future joint bid with Mexico and Costa Rica for the 2031 Women’s World Cup.
But Trump’s involvement comes with controversy.
Trump’s comments are causing unnecessary controversy for FIFA
Given his administration’s tough stance on crime and immigration, he floated the idea of relocating World Cup matches from certain Democratic-run cities, an unprecedented proposal for an international sporting event. He also referred to plans to renovate the Kennedy Center, calling them “too advanced.”
Still, Trump’s appearance on Friday is sure to mix global attention with political scrutiny as the world’s most-watched sporting event moves a step closer to its 2026 start.
