US President Donald Trump announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on December 5. This announcement came during a meeting in the Oval Office with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, where Trump jokingly asked if he could keep the World Cup trophy, and also suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin might attend the event.
The Venue and Trophy Moment
The decision to host the World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center follows Trump’s recent appointment as the chairman of the venue, a position he assumed to address concerns about what he called “woke” culture there. Infantino, who brought the World Cup trophy to the White House for the announcement, allowed Trump to hold it. Trump, in a playful moment, asked if he could keep the trophy, which Infantino humorously responded to by saying, “Only the FIFA president, presidents of countries, and then those who win can touch it, because it’s for winners only. And since you are a winner, of course, you can as well touch it.”
Despite the playful exchange, there was a brief moment of tension when Trump appeared to fumble the trophy before safely placing it on his desk, with Infantino quickly reaching out to steady it.
Putin’s Possible Attendance
Trump also touched on the possibility of Russian President Vladimir Putin attending the 2026 World Cup. He shared a photo that Putin had sent him following their recent summit in Alaska, stating that Putin was eager to attend but would likely decide based on the status of peace efforts in Ukraine. Trump added, “He wants to be there very badly,” though it remains unclear if Putin will attend.
Visa Accessibility and Security Measures
In terms of visa policies, Trump reassured that it would be relatively easy for most World Cup fans to obtain entry, though he acknowledged it might be more challenging for visitors from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Haiti, and Iran, which are under US travel restrictions.
The draw venue, initially planned for Las Vegas, was shifted to Washington’s Kennedy Center, which Trump has taken charge of. Additionally, Trump mentioned the increased security measures for the event, including a federal crime crackdown and the involvement of National Guard troops, ensuring the safety of visitors during the World Cup.
A Major Event for Sports
Trump emphasized the global significance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling it “the biggest, probably the biggest event in sports.” This marks a key moment as the United States, alongside Canada and Mexico, prepares to co-host the World Cup for the first time since 1994.
Image Source: AP
