The excitement for the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to build as Washington prepares to host the official draw for the expanded tournament on Friday. This edition will be the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams, making it the largest and most logistically challenging event in the competition’s history.
The draw ceremony will take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington. The event, chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump, is expected to attract global attention. The expanded format includes 16 more teams than the Qatar 2022 event and will run across North America from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Organizers have planned a high-profile show for the draw. Supermodel Heidi Klum and comedian Kevin Hart will host the ceremony, with musical performances from Village People, Andrea Bocelli, and Robbie Williams. Sports icons Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, and Shaquille O’Neal will help conduct the highly anticipated draw.
Trump’s close association with FIFA president Gianni Infantino has also sparked interest. He is widely expected to receive the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize during the ceremony, an award Infantino describes as a tribute to leaders who inspire unity.
Although Washington was not selected as a match venue, hosting the draw allows it to remain a key part of the FIFA World Cup schedule. Trump has positioned the tournament as a major focus during his second term and linked it to the upcoming 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. However, he has drawn criticism for political remarks and suggesting possible venue changes in certain cities.
International leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, are expected to attend. Overall, 16 stadiums will host matches—11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.
Tensions briefly rose when Iran announced it would boycott the draw after U.S. visa denials for some delegates. Iran later reversed the decision and confirmed that its coach and officials will participate.
Argentina leads the top-seeded teams, joined by Spain, Brazil, France, Germany, England, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Several nations are set to make their World Cup debut, thanks to the expanded format.
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The tournament will open at Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium and end with the final at MetLife Stadium near New York. Teams will learn their full schedules a day after the draw due to the event’s complex structure.
