The 2026 World Cup draw, set to take place on Friday at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., has been overshadowed by the anticipated attendance of US President Donald Trump. While the event is meant to determine the group-stage matchups for the 48 competing nations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Trump’s involvement has drawn both attention and criticism.
Fifa originally planned to hold the draw in Las Vegas, as it did for the 1994 World Cup, but Trump pushed for Washington, even though the capital is not among the 16 host cities. Trump is expected to attend the ceremony, and his presence has led to questions about the politicisation of the event. US men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino, when asked if he would allow Trump to lift the trophy if the US won, said he would have no problem with it.
Trump’s appearance at the draw follows his cameo at Chelsea’s Club World Cup trophy ceremony last summer, where he joined the team on the podium. Additionally, the Village People are scheduled to perform their hit “YMCA” during the draw, a song Trump has used as an anthem at his rallies. The group performed at Trump’s inauguration for his second term.
The draw also highlights a new Fifa initiative: the Fifa Peace Prize, created by President Gianni Infantino, a close ally of Trump. Speculation suggests Trump may be the recipient of the prize, which some critics view as a response to Trump not winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Infantino has not commented on the speculation.
Despite the political undertones, the draw remains a pivotal moment for football. The top-seeded nations—Spain, Argentina, France, and England—will be placed in separate quadrants to avoid meeting before the semi-finals. Meanwhile, teams like Uzbekistan, Jordan, Cape Verde, and Curaçao will participate in their first World Cup, adding to the tournament’s global appeal.
