Trump Brings 2026 World Cup Draw to Kennedy Center/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will be held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The decision reflects his dual focus on sports diplomacy and cultural transformation during his second term. Trump also emphasized sweeping changes to the Kennedy Center, now under his administration’s control.
World Cup 2026 at Kennedy Center: Quick Looks
- FIFA World Cup Draw Date: December 5, 2026
- Location: The Kennedy Center, Washington, DC
- Trump’s Dual Focus: Revamping Kennedy Center + Promoting U.S.-hosted World Cup
- Major Expansion: First World Cup with 48 teams
- Host Cities: 11 U.S. cities, excluding DC
- Trump’s Control: Took over Kennedy Center board, secured $250M in funding
- Criticism: Artists and Democrats protest political influence in arts
- Infantino Bond: FIFA President backs Trump’s leadership on World Cup
- Draw Highlight: Biggest World Cup event for DC, despite not hosting matches
- Tickets: FIFA ticket sales begin September 10, 2025
Deep Look: Trump Links 2026 FIFA Draw to Cultural Revamp at Kennedy Center
In a move combining global sports diplomacy with cultural reform, President Donald Trump announced that the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place on December 5 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. This event not only marks the kickoff of the world’s largest soccer tournament but also aligns with Trump’s ongoing efforts to reshape one of the nation’s most prestigious cultural institutions.
Speaking from the Oval Office alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Vice President JD Vance, Trump framed the draw as a symbolic event that connects his two prominent second-term goals: the revitalization of the Kennedy Center and the hosting of the expanded FIFA World Cup on U.S. soil.
“It’s a tremendous honor to bring this global event to our cultural capital,” Trump said. “The best athletes in the world will be showcased, and Washington will give them a phenomenal start.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is historic in scope. For the first time, the tournament will feature 48 teams and be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Although Washington, D.C., was not selected as a host city — a rarity for a capital city — Trump insisted that the draw itself would be a major highlight for the area, which boasts a strong soccer following.
Trump stressed that the Kennedy Center’s role in hosting the draw would help it reclaim cultural prominence, noting that under his leadership, Congress allocated $250 million for its renovation in July. That funding, secured through Republican-led legislation, is intended for an extensive revamp of the venue’s infrastructure and programming — a plan Trump has taken personal interest in executing.
Since returning to the White House, Trump has taken direct control of the Kennedy Center, removing several Democratic appointees from its board and replacing them with close allies, including Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Second Lady Usha Vance. He was later elected chairman of the board, with longtime confidant Ric Grenell installed as the center’s new president.
These appointments have triggered backlash. Critics, particularly from the artistic community and Democratic lawmakers, accuse Trump of politicizing a traditionally apolitical institution. Several high-profile resignations followed, including from “Hamilton” producer Jeffrey Seller, who canceled a 2026 run of the musical at the venue. Other resignations included TV producer Shonda Rhimes and musician Ben Folds.
Trump has remained unfazed by the criticism. He joked on Friday that the Kennedy Center might soon be renamed the “Trump Kennedy Center,” highlighting the gold accents being added during the renovations.
“There’s nothing like solid gold,” he quipped. “It’ll be great, it’ll be fantastic.”
As for programming, Trump said he is personally involved in selecting future honorees, vetoing individuals he believes are “too woke.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has maintained a strong relationship with Trump since the U.S. secured hosting rights during Trump’s first term, enthusiastically backed the announcement. Infantino presented Trump with the first official ticket to the 2026 final and praised the Kennedy Center as the ideal venue to begin the tournament’s journey.
“This will be absolutely fantastic — the biggest event ever,” Infantino said. “And everything will start here in Washington, D.C., at the Kennedy Center – or the Trump Kennedy Center.”
Tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will officially go on sale starting September 10, 2025.
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