Donald Trump holds the World Cup trophy in his hands. © APA / CHIP SOMODEVILLA

Trump draws World Cup lots? "Interesting suggestion"

Donald Trump also had no answer to a question during the presentation of the venue for the 2026 World Cup draw. However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino came to his aid.

August 23, 2025

From: dpa

A journalist asked the US President in the Oval Office of the White House whether he would draw teams himself on December 5th in Washington. "I don't know," Trump murmured, pointing at Infantino. "He's the boss." The head of the world governing body gratefully accepted the question. "That's an interesting suggestion," Infantino said. "We'll discuss it."

For the umpteenth time in recent months, the two countries have appeared side by side. Trump was the one who announced the venue for the draw gala. At the Kennedy Center in the US capital, the teams qualified for the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada will learn their group opponents.

Trump talks about fans entering the country

Trump also used the announcement to reaffirm his security plan for the US capital. The Republican had recently justified the deployment of the National Guard in Washington with allegedly rampant crime and also cited increasing neglect of public spaces. Official crime statistics, however, do not support his claim. "When we have this wonderful event in December, it will be very safe," Trump said.

Donald Trump (l.) and Gianni Infantino (r.) present the location for the draw. © APA / CHIP SOMODEVILLA

The US President also discussed the entry process for fans. Trump has imposed a travel ban on people from several countries, including Iran, whose national team has qualified for the World Cup. "Certain countries will be very, very easy, and other countries will obviously be a little more difficult," Trump said.
However, with a view to the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, the US President's order also states that there should be exceptions to the ban for athletes, coaches, support staff and immediate relatives.

The tournament, featuring 48 nations in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, will take place in the summer of 2026. The opening match is scheduled for June 11 in Mexico City. The final will take place on July 19 in East Rutherford, near New York.