President Donald Trump on Friday revealed that the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held at Washington’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 5. With the golden trophy displayed on the Resolute Desk, Trump described it as a “tremendous honor” to host the global event in the heart of the U.S. capital.
“Some people refer to it as the Trump Kennedy Center, but we’re not prepared to do that quite yet,” Trump quipped during the ceremony.
Trump’s Growing Role in Sports and Culture
The announcement marks Trump’s deeper involvement in both international soccer and the Kennedy Center, where he has taken an unusually hands-on role. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has:
- Attended the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey.
- Hosted FIFA President Gianni Infantino multiple times at the White House.
- Touted the U.S.’s role as host for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics as proof of American revival.
Infantino, presenting the World Cup trophy in the Oval Office, joked that “it is for winners only” before allowing Trump to lift it. The president laughed, asking if he could keep it, adding: “We’re not giving it back.”
A Tournament of Firsts
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first in history to be co-hosted by three countries—United States, Mexico, and Canada. Yet its build-up has been overshadowed by political tension. Trump’s tariffs on both neighbors have fueled disputes, even as all three governments prepare to coordinate the massive sporting event.
For Trump, however, the World Cup is as much a symbol of leadership and influence as it is a sports spectacle.
The Kennedy Center Transformation
Trump’s decision to stage the draw at the Kennedy Center highlights his ongoing reshaping of the institution. Since becoming chairman earlier this year, he has ousted its longstanding bipartisan board and installed loyalists, breaking with decades of tradition.
He has pledged to “fully renovate” the center with $257 million from his tax-and-spending package—upgrading infrastructure, replacing seats, and repainting its signature golden columns. He also hinted at giving the World Cup a “primary office” inside the building, raising questions about the merging of politics, sports, and culture.
Backlash from the Arts World
Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center has angered many in the arts community. Several high-profile performers have canceled appearances, while the hit musical Hamilton pulled out of a planned production in protest.
The move is part of a broader Trump strategy to assert control over Washington institutions, from the arts complex to the city’s police department. Earlier this month, he seized control of D.C.’s police force and deployed National Guard troops, despite Justice Department data showing violent crime had dropped to a 30-year low.
Sports, Power, and Politics Intertwined
Trump has made it clear that sports are now a centerpiece of his cultural agenda. Alongside soccer, he has courted leagues like the NFL, MLB, UFC, and PGA Tour, which recently agreed to return to his Florida golf course after years of absence.
With the World Cup draw now set for the Kennedy Center, Trump has successfully tied together global sports, U.S. culture, and his own political brand—ensuring the spotlight shines firmly on his presidency when the world’s most-watched tournament schedule is revealed.
