U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino launched the 2026 World Cup festivities with an announcement at the White House, revealing that the tournament draw will take place on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Trump dominated the event, intertwining World Cup news with political commentary on topics ranging from border security to crime rates, and even suggested renaming the Kennedy Center after himself. Infantino largely ceded the spotlight, allowing Trump to steer the conversation and use the occasion to promote his own agenda.

Throughout the announcement, Trump shifted focus between the World Cup and various political issues, including international relations, domestic policies, and personal grievances. The event highlighted the merging of sports and politics, with Trump positioning himself as the central figure in the upcoming tournament. Infantino briefly promoted ticket sales, while other officials touched on travel logistics for fans, but Trump quickly redirected attention back to his own priorities.

The draw for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to be a highly politicized affair, with Trump asserting his influence over both the event and its narrative. The announcement underscored the extent to which the tournament's preparations are intertwined with the current political climate in the United States.