US President Donald Trump and FIFA President announce the 2026 World Cup draw

The draw for the 2026 World Cup finals will take place on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, instead of Las Vegas as previously. FIFA President announced this news when meeting with US President Donald Trump on August 22.

World Cup 2026 is "the world's biggest sporting event"

During the meeting between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump at the White House on August 22 (early morning of August 23, Vietnam time), in addition to confirming the date and location of the draw for the 2026 World Cup finals, a symbolic ticket for the 2026 World Cup was also specially designed and given to Mr. Infantino by Mr. Trump. The ticket is marked Row 1, Seat 1, and bears the number 45/47, symbolizing Mr. Trump's status as the 45th and 47th President of the United States.

The iconic ticket to the 2026 World Cup was given to Trump by Mr Infantino

Photo: Reuters

"The World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world . On December 5, the 2026 World Cup draw will take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. It is an honor to bring this event to this city with such a great team. The Kennedy Center will provide an extraordinary start to the tournament," Mr. Trump explained during a press conference at the White House.

US President Donald Trump also commented humorously and received much laughter from reporters and attendees, saying: "I could become a soccer player. I see players making a lot of money. I might try to play!".

He also said that his youngest son, Barron, is a promising soccer player. "My son is a very good athlete and a good soccer player. In terms of height for a soccer player, he is 2.06 meters tall," he added. In response, FIFA President Infantino smiled and noted that such height can bring advantages on the field.

FIFA President Infantino also presented US President Donald Trump with the official World Cup trophy. He said: "This is the trophy that will be awarded to the World Cup champions. Only the FIFA President, world leaders and champions can touch it, and because you (US President Donald Trump) are the winner, you can touch it. The last person to lift it was Messi, and now it is here, in the Oval Office."

FIFA President Infantino presents US President Donald Trump with the official World Cup trophy

Photo: Reuters

US President Donald Trump asked back: "Can I keep it? I don't think I'll give it back." In the office of US President Donald Trump, there is also a FIFA Club World Cup trophy on display, considered the official version.

The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, with 48 teams competing in the finals. FIFA will hold the draw on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington. The teams will be divided into 12 groups of four teams each. Mexico, which will play its opening match at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, is locked in Group A. The United States will be locked in Group D, while the other co-host, Canada, will be locked in Group B.

As of the end of July 2025, 13 teams have officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup, including 3 co-host teams: the US, Mexico and Canada, and 10 teams that have passed the qualifying round. Of these, 6 teams are from Asia: Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia; 3 teams from South America: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador; and 1 team from Oceania: New Zealand.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tong-thong-my-donald-trump-va-chu-tich-fifa-cong-bo-le-boc-tham-world-cup-2026-185250823085317695.htm