David Awoyode
US President Donald Trump has announced that the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place on December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Trump Calls It “The Biggest Event in Sports”
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Friday, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump described the upcoming tournament as “probably the biggest event in sports.”
Tournament Co-Hosted by Three Nations
The 2026 edition will mark the first time the World Cup is jointly hosted by three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Expanded Format with 48 Teams
For the first time in history, the competition will feature 48 teams, expanding from the traditional 32.
Teams Already Qualified
So far, 13 teams have booked their spots:
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Hosts: Canada, Mexico, USA
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Asia: Australia, IR Iran, Uzbekistan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Japan
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South America: Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil
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Oceania: New Zealand
Tournament Dates Confirmed
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Charles Esther