Washington to Host 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw: Trump Calls It “A Historic Moment for America”

Washington, D.C. — The United States capital will take center stage in world football next year as the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Draw is officially set to be held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 5, 2025.

The announcement was made by U.S. President Donald J. Trump on Friday at the White House, in the presence of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and members of the organizing committee.

Trump’s Grand Announcement

Standing at the podium with the World Cup trophy gleaming under the spotlights, Trump opened with his trademark humor:

“Can I keep it? This is a beautiful piece of gold. It would look fantastic right on my desk in the Oval Office.”

The room filled with laughter, but the President quickly shifted to a more serious message:

“This trophy represents more than victory. It represents unity, competition, and the global spirit of sport. By bringing the draw to Washington, we are not only welcoming the world to America, we are showing our commitment to hosting the greatest World Cup in history.”

Why Washington? A Symbolic Choice

Traditionally, FIFA World Cup draws have been staged in global entertainment capitals, with Las Vegas expected to host the 2026 edition. But Trump revealed that he personally championed Washington as the venue.

“Washington, D.C. is the heart of America’s democracy. It is a city that tells the American story to the world. The Kennedy Center is a symbol of culture, history, and prestige. To have the final draw here is a reflection of America’s place at the center of global sports and culture.”

The President couldn’t resist adding another quip:
“Some have suggested calling it the Trump–Kennedy Center. Not yet… maybe next week!”

The World Is Watching

The World Cup draw is one of the most significant events in international sport, determining the groups and match schedule for the 48 nations set to compete in the first-ever expanded World Cup.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the selection of Washington:
“This will be the biggest World Cup in history, and its final draw deserves a stage of international significance. The Kennedy Center represents American excellence in culture and performance — the perfect stage for the world’s game.”

Infantino also highlighted the global anticipation: “Billions will be watching. It will be a celebration of football and humanity. The world will meet in Washington before it meets across North America in 2026.”

Economic and Social Dimensions

Beyond the symbolism, Trump underlined the economic impact of the 2026 tournament, projecting enormous benefits:

“We are preparing to welcome more than 60 million fans. This World Cup will generate over $30 billion in investment and create more than 185,000 jobs. The impact on tourism, infrastructure, and our economy will be extraordinary.”

Security, always a major consideration for global events, was also addressed. Trump reassured international visitors:
“Washington is safe, secure, and ready. We have restored law and order in this city. Fans from every continent will feel welcome and protected. They will enjoy this city as one of the world’s great capitals.”

The Kennedy Center Spotlight

The decision to host the draw at the Kennedy Center also elevates the venue onto the global stage. Opened in 1971 and named after President John F. Kennedy, the center is a hub of cultural diplomacy — and now, for the first time, will host a major FIFA event.

For Trump, the venue reflects a blend of culture and global unity:
“The World Cup is more than a tournament. It is a festival of nations, of diversity, and of shared dreams. By hosting the draw at the Kennedy Center, we are showcasing not just America’s sporting spirit, but our culture and values to the world.”

Sports Diplomacy at Play

Analysts note that the announcement is also a demonstration of sports diplomacy. Hosting the World Cup — and now its final draw — allows the United States to reinforce its global image through sport.

Trump’s decision to move the event to Washington underscores his belief in using high-profile moments as a platform for America’s international visibility. In his own words:
“This is not just about sport, this is about bringing nations together. Football has the unique power to unite people across borders, languages, and cultures. And America will be at the heart of that unity in 2026.”

A Historic Tournament Ahead

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams and hosted across 16 cities in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The draw in December 2025 will set the stage for an unprecedented global sporting spectacle.

Trump concluded the announcement with confidence:
“The world will be watching. And I can promise you — America will deliver. This will be the greatest World Cup in history.”

The Pakistan Angle

While Pakistan is not participating in the tournament, the announcement has sparked enthusiasm among Pakistani football fans and diaspora communities across North America.

The United States is home to a vibrant Pakistani diaspora, many of whom are expected to attend the matches in large numbers. For them, the World Cup is more than sport — it is a celebration of identity, belonging, and shared pride on the global stage.

Sports analysts in Pakistan note that events like this highlight the growing importance of football in regions traditionally dominated by cricket. The hope is that Pakistan, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of footballs, can leverage such global moments to expand its presence in international football — both culturally and economically.

“Every World Cup ball comes from Pakistan’s city of Sialkot,” said one local sports commentator. “While we may not yet see our team on the field, Pakistan is already part of the World Cup story.”

Final Word

The confirmation of Washington, D.C. as host for the World Cup Final Draw elevates both the city and the Kennedy Center to global significance. It is a decision that blends sport, politics, culture, and diplomacy into one moment — with the promise of setting the tone for a tournament expected to be the most watched in history.

For Pakistan, the moment is a reminder of its subtle but significant role in the global game — and of the hope that one day, its players too may join the world’s biggest stage.

From the Oval Office to the Kennedy Center stage, the countdown has begun.