U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup draw will take place on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., shifting expectations from Las Vegas, the 1994 host city. The event marks the start of the first World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring an expanded 48-team format.

“It’s the biggest, probably the biggest event in sports,” Trump declared during a White House announcement alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The draw, to be broadcast to an estimated one billion viewers, will divide the 48 teams into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams and eight best third-place teams advancing to the knockout stages. Infantino, presenting the World Cup trophy, likened the tournament’s 104 matches to “104 Super Bowls.”

Initially anticipated in Las Vegas, the choice of the Kennedy Center, where Trump serves as chairman, aligns with his administration’s focus on the venue, currently undergoing a $257 million renovation. The decision has sparked mixed reactions: supporters highlight Washington’s global prominence, while critics note Las Vegas’s prior hosting experience and logistical readiness. Infantino emphasized the event’s scale, noting the tournament begins June 11, 2026, at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium and concludes July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.