Global Football Awaits 2026 World Cup Draw Under Trumps Leadership

The 2026 World Cup draw, marking the largest edition of footballs premier international event to date, occurs in Washington on Friday, with US President Donald Trump set to play a significant role in the ceremony.

This expanded competition featuring 48 teams, an increase from the 32 participants in the 2022 Qatar tournament, spans the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19 next year.

Trumps presence at the Kennedy Center event highlights his strong connection with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has visited the White House multiple times and accompanied Trump to global summits since the North American joint bid secured the hosting rights in 2018.

Given Infantinos ties with Trump, observers anticipate the US president will receive the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize during the draw.

Trump has positioned the World Cup as a highlight of his second term and the United States 250th independence anniversary celebrations next year.

However, he has openly incorporated domestic politics, warning of relocating matches from cities governed by Democrats if safety concerns arise.

Reflecting international strains around a tournament with 11 of its 16 stadiums in the US, Iran announced a boycott of the draw after US officials denied visas to several delegation members.

Mehdi Taj, head of the Iranian football federation, stated, We informed FIFAs leader that this stems from political motives and FIFA should urge Washington to halt such actions.

Debut Participants

Contenders for the trophy, last claimed by Lionel Messis Argentina for a third victory in 2022 in Qatar, face assignment to 12 groups.

Leading the seeds are Argentina, hosts USA, Mexico, and Canada, Brazils record five champions, Frances two time winners, Germanys four time victors, plus Spain, England, Portugal, Netherlands, and Belgium.

Veteran Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41 at the tournaments start, declared his sixth Portugal appearance will be final, aiming to cap his career with Portugals maiden world title.

The broader lineup opens doors for debutants like Cape Verde, Jordan, and the small Caribbean island of Curacao.

With six spots pending via playoffs, top teams aim to evade Italy, 2006 champions absent from finals since 2014.

Despite qualification mishaps, Italy can qualify by triumphing in two playoff matches.

The kickoff occurs at Mexico Citys Azteca Stadium, site of the 1970 and 1986 openers, before the event stretches over almost six weeks, ending at New Jerseys MetLife Stadium.

Due to logistical intricacies, squads discover complete venue and schedule details on Saturday, following the draw.

Fan organisations caution that dynamic pricing by FIFA could lead to exorbitant ticket costs for prime matches.

On US resale platforms like Stubhub and Seatgeek, costs for the July 19 New Jersey final already begin near $7000.