Washington, D.C. – The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. on December 5, 2025, was marred by controversy and questionable decisions, overshadowing the excitement of the upcoming tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The event, intended to build anticipation for the expanded 48-team competition, was instead criticized for its excessive length, awkward moments, and the presentation of FIFA's inaugural Peace Prize to former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The selection of the Kennedy Center as the venue, a renowned cultural hub, seemed at odds with the populist appeal of the World Cup. The presence of celebrities like Kevin Hart, Heidi Klum, Tom Brady, Shaquille O'Neal, and Wayne Gretzky, while intended to generate buzz, felt forced and detracted from the core purpose of the draw. The actual draw for the expanded 48-nation tournament began in the 87th minute, after musical performances, interviews, and the controversial award presentation.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino's performance drew heavy criticism. Introduced by Kevin Hart and Heidi Klum, Infantino's attempts to energize the crowd with chants for the host nations were viewed as cringeworthy and embarrassing. His statement that "this is not a normal draw because we are in America, we need to make a show," further alienated viewers who felt the spectacle overshadowed the sporting aspect.
The decision to award the FIFA Peace Prize to Donald Trump sparked outrage and accusations of political maneuvering. Many felt the award was inappropriate given Trump's history and policies, with some calling it an "insult to every supporter of the beautiful game who actually believes in justice and humanity". The timing of the award, ahead of the World Cup returning to the U.S. for the first time in 32 years, fueled speculation that FIFA was attempting to curry favor with the former president.
Adding to the pre-draw controversies, Iran initially threatened to boycott the event due to visa issues for its delegation, highlighting the political sensitivities surrounding the tournament. Although the Iranian delegation ultimately attended, the incident underscored the challenges of hosting a global event with complex geopolitical implications.
The draw itself produced some intriguing matchups. Host nations Mexico, Canada, and the United States were placed in Groups A, B, and D, respectively. Group C sees Brazil, Morocco, Scotland and Haiti face off. England was drawn into Group L with Croatia. The USMNT will begin their campaign against Paraguay in Group D.
The lengthy and controversial draw has left a sour taste for many fans. While the focus should have been on the exciting prospect of an expanded World Cup in North America, the event was instead dominated by questionable decisions and awkward moments. As the tournament approaches, FIFA faces the challenge of regaining the trust of fans and ensuring that the focus shifts back to the beautiful game.
