Trump says 2026 World Cup draw set for December in Washington

Washington: US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the draw for the 2026 World Cup will be held in Washington on December 5 and got a r...

Washington: US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the draw for the 2026 World Cup will be held in Washington on December 5 -- and got a rare chance to hold the coveted football trophy.

The 48-team event is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico next year, and Trump has made a big deal about it happening during his presidency. The draw was reportedly due to be held in Las Vegas but Trump, accompanied by FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, said it would now be held at the Kennedy Center in the US capital.

"It's the biggest, probably the biggest event in sports," added the 79-year-old US president, who was wearing a red hat saying "Trump Was Right About Everything."

Trump also suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin may attend the World Cup -- saying that he "wants to be there very badly," but that he "may be coming and he may not" depending on the outcome of Ukraine peace efforts.

Infantino allowed Trump to get his hands on the Jules Rimet trophy, which is presented to winners of football's global tournament.