At a glittering ceremony in Washington D.C., former US President Donald Trump celebrated the collaborative spirit between the United States, Canada, and Mexico as they prepare to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event, held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, saw Trump share the stage with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for the official group stage draw.
A Show of Unity on Stage
The political leaders of the three host nations presented a united front during the draw ceremony on Friday. President Trump was largely complimentary of his counterparts, stating, "We’ve worked closely with those two countries, and the coordination and friendship and relationship has been outstanding." He predicted the tournament would be "an event the likes of which maybe the world has never seen." This public display of harmony came just before the trio was scheduled for a private meeting where Trump indicated he would raise contentious issues like trade and immigration.
The draw itself assigned the matchups for the participating countries, with games to be spread across host cities in all three nations. While the initial round opponents were revealed on Friday, FIFA is set to announce the specific host city venues on Saturday. The United States, Canada, and Mexico, as host nations, all received the significant advantage of being first seeds in their respective pots.
Political Tensions Lurk Beneath the Surface
Despite the cordial atmosphere, significant political divisions threaten to overshadow the global football spectacle. In recent weeks, Trump has criticized Canada over tariff disagreements and Mexico over immigration and counternarcotics policies. He has even threatened to withdraw from the North American trade pact negotiated during his first term and mused about launching strikes on drug cartels in Mexico.
These tensions directly clash with the World Cup's spirit of global unity. Critics argue the Trump administration's immigration crackdown—featuring travel restrictions, high-profile raids, and heated rhetoric—contradicts the tournament's welcoming message. While Trump's team has expressed confidence that an expedited visa process for fans will ease concerns, the administration's actions have already raised questions about the event's inclusive atmosphere.
Trump's Personal Stamp on the Tournament
The former president has been deeply involved in the planning and promotion of the 2026 World Cup. He chairs a special World Cup task force established to handle logistics and security, with Andrew Giuliani, son of ally Rudy Giuliani, serving as its executive director. Trump has also frequently hosted FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House, and the organization opened an office in Trump Tower in June.
His influence was palpable at the draw event. Trump was given a speaking slot to receive a newly created FIFA peace prize, which he called "truly one of the great honors of my life." The musical lineup, featuring Andrea Bocelli and the Village People, reflected his personal tastes. Furthermore, the event was held at the Kennedy Center, an institution where Trump ousted the bipartisan leadership and installed allies, including himself as board chair.
Organizers anticipate massive economic windfalls for the 16 host cities (11 in the US). However, Trump has not shied away from using the tournament as leverage, threatening to move games out of the Democrat-run Boston area if he deemed it unsafe, though he later said he did not want to do so. The US men's national team, currently ranked 14th globally, will be looking to improve on its best-ever finish of third place from the inaugural 1930 tournament.
