The official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place in Washington, D.C. This event, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across three countries, marks a significant milestone before the tournament. The draw will determine the group composition and team paths, with the event expected to be attended by representatives from qualified nations, FIFA officials, and invited guests, including former President Donald Trump. The draw will be broadcast globally and feature a star-studded entertainment lineup.
The eyes of the soccer world will turn to Washington, D.C. today as the city hosts the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event marks a major moment ahead of the largest World Cup in history, which will feature 48 teams playing 104 matches across three countries.
The draw will reveal how the 12 groups are assembled and give fans their first look at each team’s path through the tournament.The draw is a ceremonial but highly anticipated step in the lead-up to the tournament. Representatives from qualified nations, FIFA officials and invited guests will attend the event in the nation’s capital.This year’s draw is drawing added attention after officials confirmed that President Donald Trump is expected to attend, adding a high-profile political presence to an already globally watched event.The draw will be broadcast worldwide, allowing fans everywhere to follow along as matchups and groupings are announced.The draw begins at 12 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. CT / 10 a.m. MT / 9 a.m. PT on Friday, Dec. 5.The World Cup Draw is airing live on FOX and is also being streamed on FOX One, FOXSports.com, and the FOX Sports App.FOX 5 DC and FOX LOCAL will be hosting a show ahead of the draw starting at 11:00 a.m. Friday. The draw itself is not available to watch on FOX LOCAL or on FOX5DC.com. The draw determines:This year’s FIFA World Cup will be the largest ever staged, spanning 16 host cities with 11 in the U.S., three in Mexico and two in Canada.FIFA is rolling out a star-studded entertainment lineup to accompany the draw — the final draw will be more than just a balls-in-pots reveal. Hosts for the ceremony will include model/superstar Heidi Klum, comedian-actor Kevin Hart and actor Danny Ramirez.The performances are expected to mix classical, pop and throwback hits: Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will sing, and pop icons Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger will bring a modern pop presence. To close out the night, disco legends Village People, known globally for their anthem "Y.M.C.A.," are expected to perform.Sports officials describe the draw as "the ultimate kick-off event" — not just for the tournament, but for what promoters hope will be a global celebration merging sport, music and entertainment.Fans tuning in should expect a full production: teams, legends, celebrities and music. Once the draw is complete, the revealed match-ups will launch the countdown to the world’s largest-ever World Cup.Washington, D.C. will host the Final Draw and other major World Cup–related events, but the nation’s capital is not one of the 16 official host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026. When FIFA finalized its venue list, D.C. was left out of match hosting after the joint bid between the District and Baltimore was not selected.After the draw, FIFA is set to release additional schedule information, including kick-off times and venue assignments for all 104 matches. Host cities will also begin preparing for team arrivals, training sites and fan-zone plans ahead of the tournament’s June 2026 kickoff.
FIFA World Cup Draw Washington D.C. Soccer Tournament
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Fanatics to Operate Retail Shops for FIFA World Cup 2026Fanatics will manage in-venue operations for 104 matches in the U.S., Canada and Mexico and also create fan festivals.
Read more »
Excitement brews ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Draw watch party in Capitol HillEach group is comprised of a team from four different 'Pots.'
Read more »
Excitement brews ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Draw watch party in Capitol HillEach group is comprised of a team from four different 'Pots.'
Read more »
Trump is the focus as FIFA stages 2026 World Cup draw in WashingtonUS President Trump is expected to become the first ever recipient of FIFA Peace Prize, which will be awarded during the ceremony filled with pomp, pageantry and lavish performances fit for a showman.
Read more »
FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw Held in Washington D.C.The official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup took place at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The expanded tournament will include 48 nations, with the games hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Key figures like President Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum attended the event, which featured performances by Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, and Nicole Scherzinger, and included the awarding of the first 'FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World' to President Trump.
Read more »
FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw in Washington D.C. Highlights Political TensionsThe official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup took place in Washington D.C., attended by leaders from the co-hosting nations. The event underscored the intersection of sports and international politics, with discussions on trade, immigration, and potential revisions to the USMCA agreement adding a layer of complexity.
Read more »