The countdown to the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup intensifies on Friday as the draw for the 2026 finals takes place in Washington, D.C., with U.S. President Donald Trump expected to command much of the global spotlight.
The 2026 tournament which is the most logistically complex World Cup in history will be staged across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. Sixteen additional teams have been added to the format, expanding the competition from 32 nations at Qatar 2022 to 48.
Friday’s draw ceremony at the Kennedy Center is set to be a star-studded affair, but Trump’s anticipated receipt of the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize is expected to dominate proceedings. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who maintains a close relationship with Trump, said the award recognises individuals who “unite people and bring hope for future generations.”
The choice of venue — the Kennedy Center, where Trump recently became chairman is also seen as a tribute to the U.S. President. It ensures the U.S. capital plays a symbolic role in the tournament after being excluded as a match host city.
The ceremony will be co-hosted by Heidi Klum and comedian Kevin Hart, with musical performances from Village People, Andrea Bocelli, and Robbie Williams. Sports icons including Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, and Shaquille O’Neal will participate in conducting the draw.
Trump has made the World Cup a centrepiece of his second term and of the United States’ 250th independence anniversary celebrations in 2026. He has, however, stirred controversy by threatening to relocate matches from Democrat-run cities over what he calls “unsafe conditions.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum are also expected to attend.
The political atmosphere around the draw escalated earlier in the week when Iran vowed to boycott the ceremony after the U.S. denied visas to several members of its delegation. Iranian FA president Mehdi Taj condemned the move as “purely political.” Tehran later reversed its decision and confirmed its representatives, including coach Amir Ghalenoei, would attend.
Reigning champions Argentina headline the top seeds, alongside Spain, Brazil, France, Germany, England, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the three co-hosts — the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
The expanded World Cup has paved the way for several debutant nations, including Cape Verde, Jordan, and Curaçao. However, critics remain; former FIFA president Sepp Blatter labelled the 48-team format “a monster.”
The 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the last 32. In a historic first, FIFA will ensure the top four ranked teams — Spain, Argentina, France, and England cannot meet before the semi-finals if they all top their groups.
Six slots remain undecided and will be determined through intercontinental playoffs. Among the lower-seeded teams, heavyweights such as Italy absent from the last two World Cups are seen as dangerous opponents to avoid.
The opening match will be played at Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium, with the final scheduled for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Full match schedules, including venues and kickoff times, will only be revealed on Saturday following the completion of the draw.
