The FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, surprised everyone this Friday at the White House by offering U.S. President Donald Trump the opportunity to hold the FIFA World Cup trophy during the official announcement of the 2026 World Cup draw.
From the Oval Office, Infantino recalled that "only the presidents of countries, the president of FIFA, and the World Cup winners can hold it. The last to lift it was Lionel Messi from Argentina," he emphasized.
He then handed the trophy to Trump, who held it up with a smile before joking, "Can I keep it?"
The gesture took place within the context of the confirmation that the World Cup draw will be held on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., and not in Las Vegas as was initially planned.
Trump took the opportunity to refer to the venue as the “Trump-Kennedy Center,” alluding to the renovations that his administration has promoted at the historic cultural center.
"It is probably the biggest event in sports," Trump said about the World Cup, which will be held in 2026 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring a record 48 teams and 104 matches.
Infantino highlighted the global significance of the event: “The draw will be broadcast live across the world and will be watched by a billion people.”
The competition format will include 12 groups of four teams each, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the next round along with the eight best third-placed teams.
Although the ceremony projects an image of celebration and sporting prestige, concerns from the international fanbase persist.
Various immigrant groups have expressed their fear that the immigration policies tightened under Trump could lead to raids and arrests in the host cities of the event.
The December draw will not only be a key sporting moment, but also a symbolic stage that puts the international image of the United States as host of the most important tournament in world football to the test.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2026 World Cup Announcement and Its Implications
Why did Gianni Infantino award the World Cup trophy to Donald Trump?
Gianni Infantino presented the World Cup trophy to Donald Trump as a symbolic gesture during the official announcement of the draw for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. This act was surprising since, typically, only heads of state, the president of FIFA, and World Cup winners are allowed to hold this trophy.
When and where will the draw for the 2026 World Cup take place?
The draw for the 2026 World Cup will take place on December 5, 2025 at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., as announced by President Donald Trump. This draw will be a major event that will be broadcast live worldwide, and it is expected to be viewed by a billion people.
What are the concerns regarding immigration policies surrounding the 2026 World Cup in the United States?
There are significant concerns about the immigration policies of the Trump administration and their impact on the 2026 World Cup. Human rights organizations and immigrant collectives fear raids and detentions in the host cities, which could deter international fans from attending, especially those from Latin communities, due to the tightened immigration policies.
How does Trump's immigration policy affect sporting events in the U.S.?
Trump's immigration policy has created a climate of fear that affects ticket sales and participation in sporting events in the United States. Visa restrictions and the possibility of immigration raids have led pro-immigrant organizations to demand security guarantees for fans at the 2026 World Cup, fearing that the tightening of these policies could impact attendance and the celebration of the event.
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