President Donald Trump — flanked by FIFA President Gianni Infantino within the Oval Workplace — introduced Friday that the 2026 FIFA World Cup remaining draw will happen on the Kennedy Heart, additional tightening his relationship with the worldwide soccer physique.
Trump beamed as he touted Washington, town he lately subjected to a sweeping legislation enforcement crackdown, because the world stage for the game’s marquee second. Infantino, for his half, got here bearing presents: the gold World Cup trophy and a personalised FIFA ticket to the 2026 remaining – Row 1, Seat 1.
The draw, scheduled for Dec. 5, will collect delegations from the 48 nations that qualify to find out the opening matchups for the expanded match. And for the day, the Kennedy Heart that Trump’s been so keenly targeted on reforming will turn out to be the hub of worldwide soccer diplomacy.
Trump has taken a private curiosity in FIFA, internet hosting Infantino within the Oval Workplace virtually a half dozen occasions. The match provides Trump a chance to place himself within the middle of a world occasion.
He and Infantino have turn out to be common fixtures collectively: Trump this summer time attended the FIFA Membership World Cup Ultimate at MetLife Stadium, which may also host the World Cup remaining subsequent yr, and gave Infantino a shoutout throughout his Inauguration Eve rally.
Friday’s announcement additionally gave Trump and Vice President JD Vance one other alternative to spotlight their push to “beautify” and safe the nation’s capital.
“It’s going to be very secure, Gianni. You possibly can stroll down the road along with your stunning spouse. You possibly can take her to dinner if you will get a reservation,” Trump mentioned.