Washington, August 23, 2025 –
U.S. President Donald Trump has officially announced that the draw ceremony for next year’s FIFA World Cup will take place in the American capital, Washington, on December 5, 2025. The event is scheduled to be held at the prestigious John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a venue renowned for hosting historic cultural and global gatherings.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a landmark tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This will be the first time the World Cup is hosted simultaneously by three nations, marking a significant moment in the history of global football.

According to the finalized hosting plan:

• Mexico will stage 13 matches across its designated venues.
• Canada will also host 13 matches in its stadiums.
• The United States will host the majority of the fixtures, with matches spread across 11 major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, and Seattle.

The draw ceremony in Washington is expected to be a high-profile affair, attended by global football icons, FIFA officials, government dignitaries, sponsors, and representatives of the participating nations. Football fans worldwide will be eagerly watching as the group-stage matchups for the 2026 World Cup are revealed.

The 2026 World Cup will also be the biggest tournament in FIFA history, as it will feature an expanded format with 48 participating teams instead of the traditional 32. This expansion will provide more opportunities for countries from Asia, Africa, and other regions to compete on the world’s largest footballing stage.

President Trump, while making the announcement, emphasized that hosting the draw in Washington highlights the United States’ central role in organizing the mega sporting event. He stated that the U.S. is “fully prepared to deliver the most spectacular World Cup in history” and that the ceremony will “showcase America’s passion for football and its ability to host world-class events.”

With less than a year to go, preparations are in full swing across North America. Host cities are upgrading stadiums, transport networks, and hospitality facilities to accommodate millions of fans who are expected to travel for the month-long tournament.

The announcement of Washington as the venue for the draw has further fueled excitement among U.S. football supporters, who are anticipating the World Cup to boost the sport’s popularity in the country.