FIFA has confirmed that the official group stage draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will now be held in Washington DC, moving the event from its originally planned location in Las Vegas.
The global football governing body made the announcement via its official website, revealing that the prestigious ceremony will take place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts—one of the United States’ most renowned cultural venues. Despite the change of venue, the date of the draw remains unchanged.
The Kennedy Center, situated in the heart of the U.S. capital, is expected to host representatives from all 48 qualified national teams, along with FIFA officials, global media, sponsors, and fans.
With the draw serving as a major milestone in the build-up to the tournament, it marks an important logistical and symbolic step towards the first-ever 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In a statement released on FIFA’s official channels, President Gianni Infantino described the draw as a “momentous occasion” and emphasised the growing excitement as the tournament edges closer.
“The draw is a major milestone for the tournament and will mark a significant step forward towards the greatest sporting event ever held, as we prepare to stage many of FIFA’s iconic events across North America in 2026,” Infantino said.
He also highlighted the event’s inclusive approach this year, revealing a new initiative that will see fans given the opportunity to participate in a special ticket lottery.
The lottery will allow winners to attend matches across the various host cities, offering supporters a chance to be part of what FIFA has described as the “most ambitious World Cup ever.”
“This time, we are proud to welcome not only team delegations and partners, but also fans representing each of the 16 host cities, making the draw a celebration of unity and global participation,” Infantino added.
The 2026 World Cup marks several firsts for the tournament. It will feature an expanded 48-team format and will be jointly hosted across three countries for the first time in history.
Matches will take place in 16 cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with an expected increase in both the number of fixtures and the diversity of participating nations.
As qualifying campaigns continue around the world, anticipation is building. In Africa, the qualifiers are intensifying, with the seventh matchday scheduled to begin on 3 September.
Elsewhere, nations across Asia, Europe, South America, and Oceania are battling for a place on football’s biggest stage.
FIFA’s decision to move the draw to Washington DC underscores the importance the organisation is placing on the 2026 tournament as a truly continental celebration.
With the Kennedy Center set to provide an iconic backdrop, the draw will not only determine the tournament’s initial matchups but will also serve as a global showcase of the unity, diversity, and scale of the next World Cup.
Further details about fan participation, ticketing, and official delegations are expected to be released in the coming weeks as preparations continue for what is shaping up to be a landmark edition of the tournament.
