Donald Trump took center stage at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC for the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup draw, an event marked by glitz, celebrity appearances, and political undertones. The draw, the largest in the tournament's history, revealed the paths for 48 teams and was hosted by a star-studded lineup including Tom Brady, Shaquille O'Neal, and Heidi Klum. Trump, closely aligned with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, was expected to receive the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, a new award recognizing efforts to unite people globally, further cementing his prominent role in the event.

The ceremony also featured performances by Andrea Bocelli and The Village People, while the presence of other world leaders such as Canada's Mark Carney and Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted the international significance of the occasion. Amid ongoing controversies, including visa issues for Iranian delegates and concerns over immigration enforcement at matches, Trump's influence and political maneuvers have cast a long shadow over the tournament's preparations. The World Cup, set to be a centerpiece of Trump's second term and the United States' 250th anniversary, will be played across venues in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.