Washington DC to Host FIFA World Cup 26™ Final Draw at Kennedy Center

On Friday, 5 December 2025, the global football community will turn its attention to Washington DC, where the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 26™ will take place at the prestigious John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This draw will set the stage for the group-stage matches of what is already being billed as the biggest single-sport event in history.

The announcement was jointly made at the White House by United States President Donald J. Trump, who also serves as Chairman of the Kennedy Center, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. They confirmed that the Kennedy Center will welcome team officials, ambassadors, Host City representatives, fans, and global media for one of the tournament’s most important milestones.

A cultural landmark meets global sport

The Kennedy Center, America’s national cultural hub and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, will become the focal point of world football for one night. Known for hosting over 2,000 performances and events annually, the venue will now see the FIFA World Cup Trophy take center stage as the final steps toward the 19 July 2026 Final at New York New Jersey Stadium are revealed.

Fans invited into the moment

In a first for the Final Draw, FIFA has announced a lottery system that will allow fans from each of the 16 Host Cities (two in Canada, three in Mexico, and eleven in the United States) to win free admission to the draw. Winners will enjoy a VIP experience, making this milestone more inclusive than ever before.

Anticipation builds across the globe

“The draw is a major tournament milestone and one that will continue the remarkable build-up to the biggest sporting event ever,” said FIFA President Infantino. “We look forward to welcoming delegations, media, partners, and fans from all 16 Host Cities to the capital of the United States for this significant occasion.”

The draw will begin at 12:00 local time (18:00 CET) and will be broadcast worldwide through FIFA’s media partners. According to tournament regulations, the host nations will be placed in the following positions: Mexico (A1), Canada (B1), and USA (D1).

The road ahead

By the time the draw is held, 42 of the 48 teams set to compete across Canada, Mexico, and the United States will be confirmed. Among them are defending champions Argentina, former winners Brazil, and debutants Jordan and Uzbekistan. The final six places will be determined in a play-off tournament in March 2026, hosted in North America.

Adding to the momentum, the 76th FIFA Congress will be staged in Vancouver, Canada, on 30 April 2026, just weeks before the opening match at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on 11 June 2026.

With history in the making, the Kennedy Center will serve as the gateway to the first 48-team FIFA World Cup, a tournament promising to deliver unmatched global drama, cultural celebration, and sporting spectacle.