US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on December 5. The 48-team tournament, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to be one of the largest sporting events in history. Trump, accompanied by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, also had a rare chance to hold the prestigious World Cup trophy, describing it as a “beautiful piece of gold.”

The decision marks a shift from earlier reports that suggested Las Vegas would host the draw. Infantino emphasized the honor of touching the trophy, traditionally reserved for winners and heads of state, while Trump joked about keeping it. Infantino also presented the president with a symbolic “Row 1, Seat 1” ticket for the World Cup final scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Trump further hinted that Russian President Vladimir Putin might attend the tournament, depending on developments in ongoing peace talks regarding Ukraine. “He wants to be there very badly,” Trump said, adding that Putin’s participation would hinge on the situation. The U.S. president, who won re-election in 2024, described the World Cup as “the biggest event in sports” and highlighted its importance during his presidency.

The announcement carried political weight, as Trump noted his administration’s recent takeover of the Kennedy Center, which he claimed had become “too woke.” Referring to the venue as the “Trump-Kennedy Center,” he pledged upcoming renovations to enhance its appearance. Trump also praised a federal crime crackdown and National Guard deployment in Washington, saying the measures would ensure the city’s safety for fans arriving for next year’s tournament.