US President Donald Trump will attend the FIFA World Cup final draw this Friday in Washington, D.C., the White House confirmed on Monday. The event, set to be held at the Kennedy Center, comes as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump views the World Cup as a central feature of his second term and a key moment in the celebration of next year’s 250th anniversary of US independence.
However, the lead-up to the event has been marked by political tensions. Trump has suggested that some World Cup games might be moved away from certain US cities, citing rising crime and illegal migration in several Democratic-run areas. His remarks have sparked further debate surrounding the global sporting event.
The draw, which will involve 48 teams, is expected to set early expectations for the tournament and stir national morale as top footballing nations prepare for the global stage. The draw process begins with Pot 1, which includes the host nations—United States, Canada, and Mexico—as well as the world’s four highest-ranked teams: Spain, Argentina, France, and England. Teams from Pots 2, 3, and 4 will be placed according to FIFA’s confederation rules, ensuring that the top-ranked teams are kept apart until the semifinals.
