Donald Trump is expected to grace the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony
United States President, Donald Trump, is set to attend the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony, hoping to clinch an award ahead of the tournament.
All eyes will be on the US as coaches and team officials converge at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on December 5, 2025, for the draw of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The event will unveil the various groups for the tournament, which has been expanded to 48 teams and will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
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The ceremony will see teams grouped from A to L, forming 12 groups. Nations will learn their opponents, except those yet to qualify through the continental play-offs in March 2026.
Countries have been placed in Pots 1 to 4 according to their FIFA rankings and will not face opponents from the same pot.
However, several media outlets, including The Telegraph, have reported that Donald Trump is poised to be honored with the inaugural Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) Peace Prize award.
The new award scheme is aimed at honoring nations and individuals who contribute to global peace.
The award is intended to recognise individuals across the world who have made conscientious efforts to bring peace to conflict or war-stricken areas and help restore order.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino explained that in an era where some countries are engaged in conflicts and wars, it is prudent to honor individuals who make efforts to promote peace.
He also noted that since football abhors war, the award will inspire leaders around the globe to encourage others to foster cohesion.
In light of this, it is reported that President Trump’s ability to strike a ceasefire deal, though facing challenges in implementation, puts him ahead as the favorite for the award.
This is the reason the US president has decided to attend the occasion in person: to receive the award and show his support for the tournament.
Whether this comes to pass or not will be revealed during the ceremony.
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