Former US President Donald Trump was the undisputed star of the show as FIFA staged the glitzy draw for the 2026 World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. The unprecedented ceremony for the expanded 48-team tournament unfolded under the shadow of significant political machinations, with Trump's involvement dominating the narrative.
A Star-Studded Ceremony Overshadowed by Politics
The event, which commenced at 5pm GMT, was hosted by a glittering array of North American sporting royalty, including NFL legend Tom Brady and basketball icon Shaquille O'Neal. Comedian Kevin Hart and model Heidi Klum also helped host the three-hour spectacle, which featured performances from Andrea Bocelli and Robbie Williams.
Yet, it was the 79-year-old Trump who commanded the spotlight. Amid his well-publicised friendship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump took to the stage at approximately 5:25pm GMT to address the crowd ahead of the ceremonial ball-draw. He was joined by other leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The Controversial FIFA Peace Prize
Prior to the main draw, FIFA was expected to announce the winner of its hastily created inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, an award designed to honour those who "helped to unite people all over the world in peace." All indications pointed to Trump being the recipient.
"I have been told. There's a rumor about it. That would be a great honour," Trump teased reporters on the red carpet. The award follows a year where Infantino has repeatedly lauded the President, presenting him with major FIFA trophies and establishing a FIFA office in Trump Tower, New York.
This new accolade comes after Trump publicly campaigned for, but did not receive, the Nobel Peace Prize. FIFA's chief has previously praised Trump's role in Middle East peace talks.
Tournament Clouded by Political Tensions
Trump's deep involvement has already cast a long political shadow over next year's tournament, which is a centrepiece of his second term and the US's 250th-anniversary celebrations. He has repeatedly threatened to move matches from Democrat-led cities like Boston, Chicago, and Seattle if he deems them "unsafe," claiming Infantino would comply.
Significant visa controversies also loom. Fans from Iran and Haiti will be unable to attend matches in the US due to Trump's travel ban, which lists 19 nations. The Iranian delegation's attendance at the draw was in doubt until the last minute due to visa issues for federation officials.
Furthermore, there are fears that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials could target supporters at matches involving South and Central American teams.
The Draw and Sporting Spectacle
Once the award ceremony concluded, the official draw for the largest World Cup in history commenced, determining the fates of 48 nations. The tournament will kick off at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City and conclude at the MetLife Stadium near New York City. Eleven of the 16 host venues are in the United States.
The draw assistants reflected a blend of sports, with figures like New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge and hockey great Wayne Gretzky participating. Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand helped bridge the association football and North American sports divide.
The event closed with a performance of "YMCA" by The Village People, a song that has become an unofficial anthem at Trump's rallies, underscoring the deeply political flavour of an evening meant to celebrate global sport.
