It’s Official: Donald Trump Will Attend the 2026 World Cup Draw
An unexpected guest has stirred conversation ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw. The event in Washington promises more than balls and protocol.
The Presence That Changes the Tone
The confirmation that Donald Trump will attend the 2026 World Cup draw has created a unique atmosphere around an event that, in theory, should be focused solely on football. The ceremony will take place this Friday in Washington and is already shaping up to be one of the most high-profile draws in FIFA history. The White House confirmed his attendance, turning the occasion into a meeting point where politics and sport will inevitably intersect.
The decision doesn’t come as a complete surprise. The president has repeatedly emphasized the importance of hosting the World Cup during his second term, particularly because of its symbolism for the United States, which will celebrate its 250th anniversary of independence during the tournament. What has truly sparked curiosity, however, is how his presence might influence the tone of the event.
A Diplomatic Balance Still in Play
A few days ago, the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, stated that she would attend only if Trump and Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, confirmed their presence. With the U.S. president now locked in, all that remains is to learn the Mexican leader’s final decision—one that could send an important message about trilateral coordination for the tournament.
This World Cup will be the first hosted by three countries and the first featuring 48 teams, adding even more political and logistical weight to every step leading up to kickoff. The draw will be held at the Kennedy Center, an institution Trump has openly criticized for being “too progressive.”
A Tournament Marked by Tensions
The World Cup has inevitably been swept into the political rhetoric of the Republican president. Trump has suggested the possibility of relocating matches from U.S. host cities governed by the opposition, amid his ongoing discourse on crime and illegal immigration. His close relationship with Gianni Infantino has also been noteworthy, reinforcing the push to make Americans fall in love with “soccer” once and for all.
Beyond the 2026 World Cup, the United States recently hosted the first expanded Club World Cup and could, alongside Mexico and Costa Rica, secure hosting rights for the 2031 Women’s World Cup, further solidifying a North American bloc that continues to spark debate.
