President Trump receives peace award and honors Brazilian legend.
The road to the biggest tournament in sports history officially began on Friday amidst a star-studded gala in Washington, DC. During the glittering draw ceremony for the FIFA World Cup 2026, held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, United States President Donald Trump took center stage to celebrate the global game and receive a prestigious honor.
In a moment that blended sports history with lighthearted commentary, President Trump paid a glowing tribute to the late Brazilian icon, Pele. Trump reminisced about the "fantastic" experience of watching Pele play for the New York Cosmos years ago, cementing his status as one of the all-time greats.
Beyond the nostalgia, Trump touched upon the age-old linguistic debate between "soccer" and "football." Addressing the crowd, he humorously suggested that the National Football League (NFL) might need to reconsider its branding. He argued that the sport celebrated by FIFA is the true "football," noting that the American naming convention often causes confusion on the global stage.
A major highlight of the evening occurred when FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize. The award was given just moments before the tournament groups were revealed. Visibly moved, Trump described the recognition as one of the greatest honors of his life, stating, "Beyond awards, we saved millions and millions of lives."
Tournament Details and Format
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will introduce a massive expansion, featuring 48 nations for the first time in history. These teams have been divided into 12 groups of four. The opening match is set to take place on June 11 at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, featuring a clash between Mexico and South Africa.
The draw ceremony itself was a gathering of sporting royalty. Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand led the proceedings, assisted by a diverse group of icons including NFL superstar Tom Brady, basketball giant Shaquille O'Neal, baseball slugger Aaron Judge, and hockey legend Wayne Gretzky.
While the groups are largely set, the final lineup is not yet complete. Six spots remain open, with teams from Europe (UEFA) and other confederations battling through play-offs. The full roster of 48 teams will be finalized by March of next year, setting the stage for a historic co-hosted tournament across the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
