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Updated 4 December 2025 - The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., will take on a distinctly political tone as U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino share the stage at the Kennedy Center, a venue now chaired by Trump following a board overhaul earlier this year.
High-profile attendees and symbolic gestures
Trump will be joined by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the leaders of the tournament's co-hosts. The event's programming appears tailored to the U.S. president, including a performance by the Village People, whose hit YMCA is a staple at Trump's campaign rallies.
Breaking with tradition, the ceremony will also feature the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, an award Infantino announced last month. Trump is widely expected to receive the honor, which Infantino justified by citing the president's role in brokering the Israel-Gaza ceasefire and his broader diplomatic efforts. Critics argue the move undermines FIFA's commitment to political neutrality, a principle enshrined in its statutes.
"Why can't this be bigger than the Nobel Peace Prize? Football has huge global support, so it's right that it recognizes extraordinary efforts to bring about peace every year."
Senior FIFA official, speaking to BBC Sport
Controversy over FIFA's political alliances
The relationship between Trump and Infantino has drawn sharp criticism, with detractors accusing FIFA of aligning itself with the U.S. president's divisive policies. Infantino's praise for Trump's leadership and his frequent public appearances with the president-including at the Davos Economic Forum, the signing of the Abraham Accords, and Trump's second inauguration-have fueled concerns about FIFA's impartiality.
Infantino has defended the closeness, arguing that engaging with world leaders is necessary to promote football globally. However, his ties to other controversial figures, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and the rulers of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, have also sparked backlash. Earlier this year, UEFA delegates walked out of a FIFA Congress in Paraguay when Infantino arrived late after joining Trump on a Middle East tour, accusing him of prioritizing "private political interests."
FIFA's decision to open an office in New York's Trump Tower and Infantino's surprise appearance at a Gaza peace summit in Egypt-where he pledged to rebuild football facilities in the region-have further intensified scrutiny. Critics question whether FIFA's neutrality is being compromised by its association with Trump's administration, particularly in light of his recent derogatory remarks about Somali immigrants.
Diplomatic tensions and World Cup logistics
The event unfolds against a backdrop of diplomatic friction. Iran, whose team has qualified for the tournament, initially threatened to boycott the draw over visa restrictions for its delegation. While athletes and coaching staff are exempt from the U.S. travel ban affecting 19 countries, fans from affected nations-including Iran and Haiti-could face entry barriers. FIFA has pledged to ensure a "welcoming and unifying" tournament, but human rights groups warn of potential discrimination.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House's World Cup Task Force, stated that efforts are underway to expedite visa interviews for ticket holders but did not rule out Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids at World Cup venues. Human Rights Watch (HRW) condemned the backdrop of "violent detentions of immigrants" and the cancellation of FIFA's anti-racism campaigns, calling the tournament's integrity into question.
"There is still time to honor FIFA's promises for a World Cup not tainted by human rights abuses, but the clock is ticking."
Human Rights Watch
Economic stakes and mutual benefits
For Trump, the World Cup offers a global platform to showcase his leadership ahead of the U.S. 250th independence celebrations in 2026. The tournament is projected to generate $22 billion for the U.S. economy and create nearly 200,000 jobs, providing a boost to the tourism sector after a sluggish year. Trump has also suggested he could relocate matches from Democratic-run host cities if he deems security concerns insufficient, though the logistical and legal feasibility of such a move remains unclear.
Infantino, meanwhile, views the tournament as a financial windfall for FIFA. The organization expects to earn a record $10 billion during the 2023-2026 cycle, thanks in part to a deregulated U.S. ticket resale market that allows FIFA to take a 30% commission on transactions. The event also aligns with Infantino's goal of expanding football's reach in the U.S. and securing his re-election in 2027.
Fan groups have criticized the ticket resale model, arguing it exploits supporters and contradicts the spirit of the World Cup. Despite the controversy, both Trump and Infantino appear to view their alliance as mutually beneficial, with the World Cup serving as a centerpiece for their respective agendas.
Iran's participation confirmed
In a last-minute reversal, Iran announced it will attend the draw after initially threatening to boycott due to visa restrictions. The decision follows assurances from FIFA regarding the participation of its delegation. The draw itself will be conducted by former footballer Rio Ferdinand alongside other sporting legends, with FIFA confirming that top-seeded teams will be kept apart to ensure competitive balance.
