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WASHINGTON (AP) \u2014 The draw for the 2026 World Cup begins Friday amid wintry cold conditions as snow falls outside the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 189 days before the 48-nation tournament.<\/p>\n
Even at 7 a.m., long lines formed outside the complex as workers and media lined up with Secret Service agents securing the area. US President Donald Trump and Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum<\/span> He was scheduled to attend along with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.<\/p>\nAlthough he is frustrated that he did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize, Trump likely to be awarded FIFA’s first peace prize<\/span> during a ceremony to determine the pairings for the first round of the 104-game tournament, which will be played from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Mexico and Canada.<\/p>\nA red carpet was rolled out outside the arts center, which Trump and his supporters took over this year. Retired star players such as the NFL’s Tom Brady, NBA’s Shaquille O’Neal and NHL’s Wayne Gretzky, as well as three-time American League MVP Aaron Judge, will help with the ceremony, which will be presided over by former England captain Rio Ferdinand.<\/p>\n
All of the top 11 teams participated in the draw, with Italy, ranked 12th out of 22 countries, participating in a playoff for the final six spots to be decided on March 31st.<\/p>\n
The tournament will begin on June 11th in Mexico City. The United States, which has never advanced beyond the semifinals, opens the tournament the next day in Inglewood, California, while Canada kicks off in Toronto.<\/p>\n
All games after the quarterfinals will be played in the United States, using 11 NFL stadiums. Venues and kick-off times for most games are expected to be announced on Saturday.<\/p>\n
___<\/p>\n
AP Soccer: https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/soccer<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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