The White House has confirmed that US President Donald Trump will attend the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, scheduled to hold in Washington, D.C., later this week.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told journalists on Monday that President Trump is expected at the ceremony on Friday, which will take place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The 2026 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is fast approaching, and the official draw is one of the major milestones in the preparations for the tournament.
President Trump has repeatedly emphasized the World Cup as a key feature of his second term in office. He has also tied the global sporting event to next year’s celebrations marking 250 years of American independence, presenting it as a signature international occasion for the United States.
The tournament, which will feature 48 teams for the first time in World Cup history, has drawn significant attention globally. The inclusion of Trump in the draw ceremony adds political and media interest to the preparations, reflecting the United States’ role as a co-host of the event.
The draw will determine the grouping of participating teams and set the stage for the first matches of the tournament. Officials describe it as a high-profile event that brings together soccer officials, politicians, and international media.
“The World Cup draw is an important moment for all stakeholders,” said Mark Thompson, a sports analyst. “It provides teams, fans, and broadcasters with clarity on match schedules and groupings, and having a sitting US president attend highlights the global significance of the tournament.”
The preparations for the 2026 World Cup have unfolded amid political tension in the United States. Trump has publicly suggested the possibility of relocating matches from certain US host cities, citing concerns about crime levels and immigration enforcement in Democrat-led jurisdictions.
These statements have drawn criticism from city officials and sports organizers, who emphasize that World Cup matches are planned well in advance with extensive logistical coordination. “Moving matches at this stage would create unnecessary complications for organizers and fans,” said Laura Hernandez, a FIFA operations consultant.
Despite the political debates, US cities including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, and Atlanta remain key host locations for the tournament, with stadiums undergoing final preparations to welcome teams and international fans.
The 2026 tournament marks the first time the World Cup will expand from 32 to 48 teams, introducing a new format that increases opportunities for smaller football nations to compete on the global stage. Co-hosting by three countries—US, Canada, and Mexico—also reflects FIFA’s effort to broaden the tournament’s reach and infrastructure.
The announcement of Trump’s attendance has received mixed reactions. Supporters see it as a positive move that underscores the United States’ commitment to the event, while critics argue that the president’s political controversies may overshadow the sporting occasion.
Social media has been active with discussions about Trump’s involvement, ranging from excitement over his potential speeches to skepticism about political interference in sporting matters.
With less than a year to go before the tournament kicks off, preparations in the host cities are intensifying. Security arrangements, stadium upgrades, fan accommodations, and logistical planning are all being prioritized to ensure the smooth execution of the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA officials and co-host countries remain focused on delivering a safe, exciting, and well-organized tournament, while Trump’s attendance at the draw signals continued US political engagement with the event.
