Preparations are in full swing at Washington’s Kennedy Center, one of the city’s iconic landmarks and the chosen venue for the draw of the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The atmosphere around the venue is already buzzing: installations, technical rehearsals, FIFA staff, and international media are all hard at work for an event that will officially kick off the largest World Cup ever staged.
The ceremony will be attended by representatives from the 42 nations that have already qualified, along with delegations from the teams still vying for the final spots in the March play-offs. In total, six teams will complete the list of participants through these playoffs.
READ MORE: All you need to know about the playoffs for the World Cup
With so many federations present at once, the draw becomes not just a sporting event, but also a major opportunity for football diplomacy and cultural exchange.
Music and entertainment
Excitement is also high for the show itself. FIFA has chosen a format that blends entertainment with official ceremony, featuring world-renowned guests. Among them is Italy’s own Andrea Bocelli, who is set to perform at the Kennedy Center in what promises to be one of the evening’s most memorable moments.
Joining him on stage will be Robbie Williams and the legendary Village People, headlining a musical segment dedicated to celebrating American pop culture. This choice is no coincidence, as the band is a favourite of United States President Donald Trump, who will attend the event as a special guest of FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Trump in attendance
The joint presence of Trump and Infantino is drawing even more media attention: it’s the first time the former US president has publicly attended a FIFA ceremony of this scale, and his participation underscores how the 2026 World Cup has become a strategic project for North America - not just in sports, but also politically and culturally.
On the sporting front, the key decisions will come from the draw itself. The host nations - the United States, Mexico, and Canada - will be placed in Pot 1, alongside the other nine highest-ranked teams. This is a significant advantage, allowing them to avoid facing the top teams in the group stage.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about the World Cup draw and pots
The draw will be far more than a mere formality - it’s a pivotal moment that will shape the journey of every nation toward the first-ever 48-team World Cup, an edition set to redefine the landscape and future of global football.