Trump Attends World Cup Draw, Criticizes Host Cities

Former U.S. President Donald Trump attended the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. During the event, he suggested moving games out of cities run by Democratic politicians. The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature a record 48 teams. The draw determines the initial group stage matches. Trump did not specify which cities he was referencing. His comments highlight the political dimension of hosting the world's largest sporting event. Sports consultants note that such statements can impact perceptions of the tournament's organization. The final host city schedule was confirmed by FIFA in 2023. Any official change would require approval from world football's governing body.