The ceremonial draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held on Friday 5th December 2025 at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, has become a potent symbol of the tournament's new era. An event intended to set the sporting stage has instead been dominated by the figure of former US President Donald Trump and accusations that football's governing body is surrendering its political neutrality.
A Draw Steeped in Politics and Transaction
Originally planned for Las Vegas, the draw's location was moved to the American capital following a recommendation from the Trump administration, to which FIFA President Gianni Infantino duly acquiesced. The shift came with significant financial and political baggage. Reports indicate FIFA received a zero-dollar rental fee for the prestigious venue in exchange for a $2.4 million donation and sponsorship opportunities valued at $5 million.
This transaction occurred amid controversy surrounding Trump's appointment as chairman of the Kennedy Center's board, a move that saw 19 bipartisan trustees forced out and sparked rumours of a potential rename to the "Trump Kennedy Center". The association led numerous artists and celebrities to boycott the draw, a stark contrast to football's growing popularity among Hollywood figures. The absence of a major Mexican sporting legend among the draw assistants further underscored the event's US-centric focus, despite the tournament being co-hosted by Canada and Mexico.
The 'Peace Prize' and a Cult of Personality
A significant, yet shrouded, part of the proceedings was FIFA's inaugural Peace Prize. Figures within the global body have suggested it could eventually rival the Nobel Peace Prize, leveraging football's reach. However, the award's credibility is questioned by Trump's vigorous lobbying for it and the ongoing nature of many conflicts he has claimed to resolve.
FIFA insiders defend the prize as promoting peace, pointing to Infantino's attendance at a signing between DR Congo and Rwanda leaders. Yet critics highlight the body's "ostentatious proximity" to divisive figures, referencing Trump's recent comments on bombing Mexico and broader discussions about Gaza and 2034 co-hosts Saudi Arabia. The prize is seen by many as cementing the link between Infantino's FIFA and Trump through "garish pageantry", signalling where real influence lies.
Logistical Whims and a 'Maga World Cup'
Behind the spectacle, sources close to the FIFA Council describe a decision-making process driven by whim, overly influenced by host state demands rather than tournament logistics. This is exemplified by Trump's talk of moving fixtures from "trouble" cities late in preparations, a potential disruption far exceeding Qatar's last-minute alcohol ban.
This represents a new level of compromise for FIFA, as it panders to a personality in a democratic host nation, leading some to dub the 2026 event the "Maga World Cup". While some argue Infantino must flatter Trump's ego to prevent an erratic decision from destabilising the logistically complex, 48-team tournament, the choice to award and expand the event across three nations was FIFA's own.
For fans, the draw finally allowed planning to begin, revealing the expensive reality of dynamic pricing, vast travel distances across North America, and costly accommodation. It is an economic model seemingly in tune with Trump's America, where commercialisation is paramount.
From the accreditation centre being in the Watergate Hotel to the Village People performing Trump's favourite 'YMCA', the draw was less about sports administration and more about political theatre. For many in football, this willingness to allow the sport to be used so overtly marks a "new shame" for FIFA, contradicting its own statutes and setting the tone for a World Cup where the beautiful game risks being overshadowed.
