**Trump Announces 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw at Kennedy Center**
President Donald Trump celebrated his administration’s efforts to reduce crime in Washington, D.C., while revealing that the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held at the Kennedy Center on December 5. During the announcement in the Oval Office, Trump was accompanied by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
As the chairman of the Kennedy Center, Trump expressed pride in hosting the prestigious event, stating, “On December 5, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will take place at the Kennedy Center. Some people call it the Trump-Kennedy Center, but we’re not ready to go that far just yet.” His lighthearted comment elicited laughter from those present.
Trump emphasized the significance of bringing such a global event to the heart of the nation’s capital, highlighting the exceptional athletes participating. He also took the opportunity to tout the success of his administration’s federal intervention in D.C. to combat crime, noting, “In Washington, D.C., we have the lowest crime numbers in years. Zero murders in the last week since we’ve implemented this. It’s remarkable.”
He criticized local leadership, urging Mayor Muriel Bowser to improve her governance, or risk federal oversight. Trump assured Infantino that the city would be safe for the upcoming draw, jokingly reassuring him, “You don’t have to worry about walking down the street.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be the largest and most complex sporting event in history, will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, beginning in June 2026. Trump has established a White House task force to prepare for this significant international tournament.
**FAQ**
*What is the significance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw?*
The draw is crucial as it determines the group stage matchups for the tournament, setting the stage for the competition among the world’s best soccer teams.
