Logos are displayed on the Kennedy Heart forward of the FIFA 2026 World Cup Attract Washington, Dec. 4. EPA-Yonhap
WASHINGTON — The draw for the 2026 World Cup takes place in Washington on Friday, with Donald Trump set to play a outstanding half in a star-studded ceremony that may mark out the trail to glory for contenders on the first-ever 48-team finals.
Probably the most logistically advanced World Cup in historical past will probably be held throughout North America from June 11 to July 19, with 16 extra groups added to the worldwide showpiece, up from the 32 nations concerned in Qatar in 2022.
Friday’s ceremony, which takes place on the Kennedy Heart on the banks of the Potomac River from 1700 GMT, reaches far past soccer, with a number of of the largest stars within the American sporting world taking part whereas Trump takes centre stage.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has developed a detailed relationship with Trump, together with making a number of visits to the White Home.
Now the US President is predicted to be the primary ever recipient of the FIFA Peace Prize, which will probably be awarded in the course of the draw ceremony, “to acknowledge the large efforts of these people who unite folks, bringing hope for future generations,” as Infantino put it.
Even the selection of draw venue is a nod to Trump, who not too long ago put in himself as chairman of the Kennedy Heart, a performing arts venue opened within the Nineteen Seventies which is only a quick stroll from the White Home.
The ceremony will probably be co-hosted by supermodel Heidi Klum and American actor and comic Kevin Hart, and can function performances by Village Folks, Andrea Bocelli and Robbie Williams.
NFL legend Tom Brady, ice hockey icon Wayne Gretzky and former NBA celebrity Shaquille O’Neal will probably be among the many stars serving to to conduct the draw.
Trump has made the World Cup a centrepiece occasion of each his second presidency and the 250th anniversary of US independence subsequent 12 months.
However he has not hesitated to inject home politics into the preparations, threatening to maneuver World Cup matches from Democratic-run cities if he deems situations “unsafe.”
“I’d name Gianni, the pinnacle of FIFA, who’s phenomenal, and I’d say, let’s transfer it to a different location. And he would try this,” Trump stated not too long ago.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum will even be in attendance on the ceremony.
Eleven of the 16 World Cup venues are in america, with three in Mexico and two in Canada.
Argentina put title on line
The political ingredient to the draw noticed Iran vow to boycott the ceremony as a result of america refused to grant visas to a number of members of its delegation.
Iranian Soccer Federation president Mehdi Taj denounced the U.S.’ resolution as “purely political.” Iran subsequently introduced that it will now ship representatives, together with head coach Amir Ghalenoei.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina are the reigning champions after successful the World Cup for the third time in Qatar in 2022.
Messi will flip 39 in the course of the event however this week informed ESPN: “I hope I could be there. I’ve stated earlier than that I might like to be there.”
Argentina will probably be among the many prime seeds together with European champions Spain, document five-time winners Brazil, France, Germany, England, Portugal, the Netherlands and Belgium. The three host nations full the primary pot of seeds.
The choice to broaden the event has additionally cleared the best way for a number of first-time qualifiers, together with Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao.
‘Pure evolution’
If the growth is probably not to everybody’s liking, FIFA’s head of worldwide soccer growth Arsene Wenger on Thursday insisted it was a “pure evolution” and that 48 groups is “the fitting quantity.”
These groups will probably be cut up into 12 teams of 4, with the highest two from every advancing alongside the eight finest third-placed sides to the final 32.
For the primary time, the draw will probably be carried out in order to make sure the 4 highest-ranked nations are saved aside — Spain, Argentina, France and England won’t be able to fulfill earlier than the semi-finals, if all 4 prime their teams.
Six finals berths are nonetheless to be determined in playoffs, the winners of which will probably be among the many backside seeds — the favourites will due to this fact need to keep away from Italy, World Cup winners as not too long ago as 2006 however who didn’t qualify for the final two tournaments.
The opening match will probably be held on the Azteca Stadium in Mexico Metropolis, with the ultimate on the MetLife Stadium exterior New York Metropolis.
Due to the complexity, groups will solely be taught the complete particulars of their match venues and kickoff occasions on Saturday, a day after the draw.
