President Trump says the World Cup draw will take place on Dec. 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington.
The draw is a closely watched affair that determines how the 48 qualified teams are grouped at the start of next year’s soccer tournament. In effect, nations will learn what teams they’ll face in the early round.
The U.S., Canada and Mexico are hosting the tourney from June 11 to July 19.
“It’s the biggest, probably the biggest event in sports,” Mr. Trump said Friday while flanked by Vice President J.D. Vance and FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the Oval Office.
Mr. Trump is promoting the World Cup every chance he gets. His push to hold the draw at the Kennedy Center coincides with his efforts to renovate and improve the music theater.
“It’s a tremendous honor to bring the global event and this incredible group of people and these unbelievable athletes, the best athletes in the world, to the cultural center of our nation’s capital,” Mr. Trump said.
The World Cup is held every four years. Next year’s event will expand from 32 to 48 teams.
As host nations, Canada, Mexico and America have automatically qualified, while other nations must go through a qualifying campaign.
Mr. Trump and his top officials are emphasizing city cleanliness ahead of the tournament. The president pointed to his efforts to reduce crime in D.C., saying the U.S. must put its best foot forward when it welcomes global guests.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem pledged to welcome international fans and process their visas.
Mr. Infantino, who has developed a close relationship with Mr. Trump, watched as the president lifted the gold World Cup trophy in the Oval Office.
“It’s pretty heavy. It’s the winner’s trophy,” Mr. Infantino said. “The last one who lifted that is Leo Messi. Leo Messi of Argentina. And here it is in the Oval Office.”
When a reporter asked Mr. Trump if the U.S. could win the Cup, which would be a first for America, the president hesitated, then kicked the question to the FIFA chief.
“The home team always has a good chance to win,” Mr. Infantino said.
“See, he’s a good diplomat,” Mr. Trump said.
