The White House has officially confirmed that United States President Donald Trump will attend the ceremonial draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to take place later this week in Washington, D.C.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Monday that the president is expected to be present at Friday’s event, scheduled for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The United States, alongside Canada and Mexico, will co-host the 2026 World Cup, and the upcoming draw is regarded as a major milestone in the ongoing preparations for the tournament. President Trump has consistently promoted the World Cup as a flagship achievement of his second term and as a centerpiece of celebrations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary next year.
However, preparations for the global event have unfolded amid heightened political tensions. Trump’s hardline domestic policies have contributed to polarization, and his public comments regarding host cities have drawn significant attention. The president has repeatedly suggested that matches could be relocated from certain U.S. venues, citing concerns from his administration about crime levels and immigration enforcement in some Democrat-led cities.
Despite these controversies, Friday’s draw is expected to proceed as one of the most significant pre-tournament events ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
